Charges dropped against Pirates' Yates

Charges of family abuse and property against Pirates relief pitcher Tyler Yates in Hawaii have been dropped.

Yates, 32, was charged Dec. 30 after intervening in a dispute between his parents at his offseason home in Hawaii. He was released on $1,050 bail. Four days later, Yates officially re-signed with the Pirates. The right-hander, who is recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, received a minor-league contract and an invitation to spring training.

The Pirates said in a statement that they knew about the situation before Yates agreed to his contract.

"We were made aware of the incident and were assured by Tyler that the charges were not justified," the team said in an e-mail statement. "As anticipated, all charges against Tyler have since been dropped. Tyler's wife Liezel and daughter Kamryn were no way involved in this matter.

"The manner in which our players represent the Pirates organization on and off the field is something that we take very seriously. We are completely satisfied with Tyler in this matter and respect his family's privacy. Now that the matter is resolved, (neither) the club nor Tyler will have (any) further comment."

Yates did not attend minicamp last week in Bradenton, Fla. He is expected to arrive in time for the Feb. 18 start of spring training, but his elbow will not be healthy enough for him to pitch until later this summer.