Pirates SS Jung Ho Kang out for season with knee injury

Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang is out for the season after injuring his knee during a take-out slide against the Cubs on Thursday.

Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang is out for the season after injuring his knee during a take-out slide against the Cubs on Thursday.

The Pirates said Kang underwent surgery Thursday night at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on a displaced lateral tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscal repair. He is expected to return to competition in six to eight months.

Kang was injured in the first inning when the Cubs’ Chris Coghlan slid into second base to break up a double play and went away from the bag and into Kang, who was turning to complete the play with a throw to first base. He went down grabbing his left knee and was surrounded by teammates before being helped off the field.

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Kang’s agent, Alan Nero, later released a statement on Kang’s behalf:

“It is unfortunate that what would be considered heads up baseball would cause such a serious injury. That said, Coghlan was playing the game the way it should be played. I’m confident he meant me no harm. I appreciate everyone’s start.”

Kang, 28, was batting .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs as a rookie this season. He was replaced by Jordy Mercer.

The Cubs later won the game 9–6. 

- Jeremy Woo