Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates prospect Ji-Hwan Bae suspended for domestic violence

Published Apr. 17, 2019 5:34 p.m. ET

NEW YORK (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Ji-Hwan Bae has been suspended for 30 games for violating minor league baseball's domestic violence policy.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the suspension will start Thursday.

Bae agreed to a minor league contract in March 2018 for a $1.2 million signing bonus. He was accused by a former girlfriend of domestic violence, South Korean media and The Athletic reported last May.

The 19-year-old batted .271 with 13 RBIs and 10 steals in 35 games last year with the rookie level Gulf Coast Pirates. He was 4 for 21 (.190) with three RBIs in five games this season for Class A Greensboro of the South Atlantic League.