PITTSBURGH -- With a trial date set in South Korea, Jungho Kang will report to Pirates camp at least a few days late.
Kang is set to appear at a Feb. 22 trial following his third DUI arrest, according to the Yonhap News Agency. The Pirates' first full-squad workout is Feb. 17. Kang is not expected to join the Bucs in Bradenton, Fla., until after that trial takes place, general manager Neal Huntington said.
Kang must appear before the Seoul Central District Court, according to the Yonhap News report, and he may have to attend two hearings. Pittsburgh's Grapefruit League schedule begins on Feb. 25 with a pair of split-squad games.
"This is an ever-evolving process. We're working to gather as much information, working to help as much as we can," Huntington said Friday. "There are times we need to stand on the sidelines and wait for the process to play out. This is certainly that situation."
Kang was arrested in his native South Korea on Dec. 2, and the DUI charge was later revealed to be his third since 2009. Kang's driver's license was revoked as a result, according to Yonhap News.
Kang has reportedly agreed to participate in a voluntary treatment program recommended by a collectively bargained treatment panel. Details of Kang's program, including its start date and length, have not been made available.
Kang has not yet been disciplined by the league or club. According to the previous Basic Agreement, Kang's participation in the rehab program may be considered as a "mitigating factor" in whatever punishment he receives. The Pirates may not weigh in until after Kang's trial takes place.
"We'll work to be as patient as we can, be patient through the process and let that process play out," Huntington said.
If Kang is suspended, the Pirates would turn to third baseman David Freese, as they did early last season when Kang was recovering from knee surgery. The Bucs acquired additional infield depth Friday by trading for utility man Phil Gosselin.