Pirates’ Kang leave game against Cubs after apparent knee injury

PITTSBURGH Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang left Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs because of an injury to his left knee.

With the bases loaded and nobody out in the first inning, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo grounded to second. Neil Walker threw to Kang at second to start a double play. As Kang planted his left leg and threw to first, Cubs right fielder Chris Coghlan slid into Kang and appeared to buckle Kang’s left knee.

Kang fell to the ground and stayed there for a few minutes before needing help to leave the field. He used the railing to get down the steps from the dugout into the tunnel, putting no weight on his left leg.

Kang, a rookie in his first MLB season after the Pirates signed him out of the Korea Baseball Organization, has been one of the Pirates’ most productive players this season, hitting .287 with a .355 on-base percentage and 15 home runs in 467 plate appearances.

Jordy Mercer replaced Kang at shortstop.

The Pirates have players to cover for Kang should he miss time Mercer, Josh Harrison and Aramis Ramirez can all play on the left side of the infield but matching his offensive production will be hard.

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