DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A minor league pitcher might face animal cruelty charges for injuring a protected bird with a thrown baseball.

Jae-kuk Ryu, a 19-year-old South Korean pitcher for the Class-A Daytona Cubs, knocked an osprey from its perch during pregame practice Monday night.

The male bird sustained a serious eye injury. Ospreys are recognized by the state as a species of special concern, meaning their habitats are vulnerable. Anyone who wounds or kills an osprey can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating and plans to submit its findings to the state attorney's office next week, spokeswoman Joy Hill said.

``We've received a number of calls from an outraged public. I just talked to one woman; she wants him deported,'' Hill said. ``People have zero tolerance for this kind of thing.''

The Chicago Cubs, who signed Ryu two years ago, are conducting their own investigation to determine how the pitcher will be punished.