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Yankees' Chapman applying for U.S. citizenship

Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, who was suspended 30 games last week under the league's new domestic violence policy, said Friday that he's applying for U.S. citizenship.

"I am in the process right now," Chapman told the New York Post's George A. King III.

Signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent in 2010, the Cuban-born Chapman says he first applied for his citizenship last year.

"Eventually, when I become a citizen, if it happens, it's going to be something great," Chapman said. “It's a nice opportunity for me to become a U.S. citizen."

Chapman, who agreed not to appeal the league's ban, is eligible to pitch during spring training, but remains suspended without pay from regular-season action until May 9 against the Kansas City Royals.

The news comes days after a New York Times report revealed that MLB proposed a plan to the U.S. government that would allow teams to sign players directly out of Cuba.

The Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to visit the Caribbean island to take on the Cuban national team on March 22, marking the first time an MLB team has played in the country since 1999.

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