Atlanta Braves GM Coppolella resigns amid MLB probe

The Associated Press Published Monday, October 2, 2017 2:03PM EDT

Atlanta Braves general manager John Coppolella, left, greets catcher Kurt Suzuki during the first full-squad workout of baseball spring training for the team, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Curtis Compton / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

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ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves say John Coppolella has resigned as general manager after it was learned that he was the target of a Major League Baseball investigation into a violation of rules in the international player market.

Braves president John Hart will take over GM duties while the team searches for a new one.

In a statement Monday, the Braves said, "the resignation comes as a result of a breach of Major League Baseball rules regarding the international player market." Hart said the Braves will give MLB their full co-operation during the probe.

An MLB spokesman would not provide details on an ongoing investigation.

The Braves, who finished 72-90 this year, have been very active in the international market in recent years.

Coppolella was promoted to GM after the 2015 season.