UPDATE: Earlier today it was noted Kang was set for an MRI, but it appears as if the news is worse.
I'm told Kang's injury is "very serious." Report from @Dejan_Kovacevic said he is headed for surgery.
— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) September 17, 2015
"A source in the medical community told our Dejan Kovacevic [of DK Pittsburgh Sports] that the injury involved a fractured tibial plateau, as well as a torn MCL and torn meniscus in the knee. Kang was believed to be heading toward surgery tonight," writes Josh Yohe.
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Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang is a candidate to win NL Rookie of the Year. He's been regarded as one of the best free-agent signings in the MLB this past offseason, but the Pirates are perhaps now in danger of losing him for the season.
Kang suffered an apparent knee injury in the top of the first inning when Chicago Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan slid into the shortstop's left knee in an attempt to break up the throw to first. Kang made the throw in time to complete the 6-4-3 double-play, but it didn't end well.
Jung Ho Kang was removed from the game with an injury to his left knee. Kang is being treated and evaluated.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 17, 2015
You can check out the full video here.
Kang, 28, is batting .287/.355/.461 with 60 runs scored, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs in 125 games this season. He began undertaking a more integral role with the Pirates when fellow middle infielder Jordy Mercer suffered a sprained MCL and missed about six weeks of action.
Mercer replaced Kang after he was removed from the game. The 28-year-old was helped off the field by two team trainers and did not put any weight on his left leg.
Pittsburgh has enough depth to replace Kang, but it won't be easy for manager Clint Hurdle to find someone to replicate the slugger's offensive production.
Stay tuned for updates on Kang's injury status.
