DETROIT (AP) - Kansas City Royals' first-round draft pick Eric Hosmer can't play until the Pittsburgh Pirates settle their dispute with their first-round selection and the players' association.
The commissioner office has withdrawn approval of Hosmer's contract pending the resolution of a grievance against the Pirates filed by the MLBPA in support of No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez. Until then, Hosmer is not able to play for the Royals or any of their minor league affiliates.The Pirates announced early on Aug. 16 that Alvarez, a power-hitting third baseman from Vanderbilt, agreed to a minor league contract with a $6 million signing bonus. The Pirates said his agent, Scott Boras, told the team Alvarez would not report unless the deal was renegotiated. Boras claimed the agreement was reached after the midnight deadline for draft picks to sign on Aug. 15.
The Players Association filed a grievance claiming the Aug. 15 deadline was unilaterally extended by Major League Baseball without the union's permission.
Alvarez was placed on baseball's restricted list.
Pirates president Frank Coonelly said the agreement between the Kansas City Royals and No. 3 pick Hosmer, a first baseman was submitted to MLB after Alvarez's deal.
Boras is also Hosmer's agent.
A Royals' spokesman said the team had no comment.
Hosmer, who also signed for a $6 million signing bonus, had played three games for Idaho Falls of the Rookie League before the ruling.
Play FOX Fantasy Football Today >
