Kang removed from Korea's WBC roster
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang has been officially removed from team Korea's 28-man roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News Agency.
Korea's manager, Kim In-sik, made the decision in a meeting with team officials Wednesday, a day after admitting he was leaning towards removing Kang due to the 29-year-old's troubling history with driving under the influence of alcohol.
The third baseman was charged with his third DUI since 2009 - as well as fleeing the scene of an accident on Dec. 2 in Seoul. He was also under an investigation for an alleged sexual assault incident in July in a Chicago Hotel room, though no charges have been laid.
There was speculation that St. Louis Cardinals reliever Seung-hwan Oh would be considered as Kang's replacement. Instead, the roster spot will be filled by Kim Ha-seong - a 21-year-old All-Star shortstop playing for the Korean Baseball Organization's Nexen Heroes.
Team Korea will open the tournament against the Netherlands on March 7 in Seoul.