BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco will not make the trip to Montreal for the team's final two exhibition games against the Blue Jays. It's an issue with his passport and not an ailing shoulder that is to blame, however.
"His visa is fine. This isn't a Jungho Kang situation," Pirates general manager Neil Huntington said. "But there's been a technical glitch that makes it more challenging for him to get into Montreal and come back in the United States."
Huntington said the issue was due to needed paperwork stemming from Polanco's time with the Dominican Republic team at the World Baseball Classic. Polanco batted .579 (11-for-19) and was named to the All-Tournament team.

In six games with the Pirates this spring, Polanco batted .294 (5-for-17) with a double, four walks and four stolen bases.
Polanco will remain in Bradenton to continue his throwing program for an ailing shoulder, which has caused him to miss the last five games, and will also see some at-bats with the Minor League squad. Team trainers said that the shoulder issues shouldn't be an issue to prevent him from being available on Opening Day of the regular season.
"There is nothing half-speed about Gregory Polanco," team trainer Todd Tomczyk said. "He gives 110 percent effort, so he sets himself up for some bumps and bruises along the journey."