Wladimir Balentien's court hearing in Miami on domestic violence and false imprisonment charges has been postponed, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows revealed Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters at the Central League club's offices in Tokyo, team president Tsuyoshi Kinugasa said the hearing scheduled for Monday in Miami had been postponed to Feb. 11.
"They (prosecutors) have not decided how to proceed," Kinugasa said. "We hope there will be no indictment and his innocence will be confirmed. Hopefully, this can be concluded quickly.
Balentien, the reigning CL MVP, was arrested on Jan. 12 over an incident with his estranged wife. The two are in the process of getting a divorce. Balentien has pleaded not guilty, was released on bail and allowed to travel to Japan to prepare for the upcoming season.