Bucs prospects Ngoepe, Neverauskas suspended after fight
CHICAGO -- Pirates Minor Leaguers Gift Ngoepe and Dovydas Neverauskas were arrested early Sunday morning following a fight outside a bar in Toledo, Ohio, according to documents provided by the Toledo Municipal Court and Toledo Police Department.
Neither player has played since the incident took place. The Pirates announced on Tuesday that they suspended both players for seven days, keeping them off Triple-A Indianapolis' roster the rest of the season.
"We are aware of the incident that took place over the weekend in Toledo and are extremely disappointed in the actions of Gift and Dovydas," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement. "We have made the decision to suspend both players for seven days, taking them through the remainder of their seasons."
Tigers Minor Leaguer Warwick Saupold was also involved in the incident, and he was arrested and charged with assault. The Indianapolis Indians were playing the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit's Triple-A affiliate, over the weekend. Tigers VP of player development Dave Littlefield said the Tigers are aware of the incident but have no further comment at this time. PiratesProspects.com first reported news of the arrests on Tuesday.
Ngoepe, a shortstop added to Pittsburgh's 40-man roster last offseason, was charged with one count of assault and two counts of resisting arrest. Neverauskas, a reliever who appeared in this summer's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, was charged with one count of misconduct and two counts of resisting arrest.
Ngoepe and Neverauskas were released on bond Sunday. They must appear in court on Sept. 13.