Ex-Cubs farmhand appealing conviction

DAYTON, Ohio -- A minor league pitcher has been released from jail pending appeal of his conviction for throwing a baseball that injured a fan during an on-field melee in Ohio last year.

A Montgomery County judge on Thursday sentenced 22-year-old Julio Castillo to 30 days in jail and three years probation. His attorney asked the judge to allow his release while he appeals.

Jail records show Castillo was freed Friday afternoon.

He was convicted of felonious assault causing serious physical injury for giving the fan a concussion after a brawl broke out in a Class A game in Dayton.

The conviction could jeopardize the Dominican citizen's immigration status and baseball career. He plays for a Chicago Cubs affiliate, but has been benched pending the legal proceedings.