Jung Ho Kang Injury: Updates on Pirates Star's Leg and Return

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang has finished his rehab assignment after breaking his leg late last season and has rejoined the team.

Continue for updates.

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Kang Activated from DL

Friday, May 6

The Pirates announced they reinstated Kang from the disabled list Friday. The team also announced it sent Jason Rogers to Triple-A to make room for Kang.

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Kang's Return Is Major Boost to Pirates' Playoff Hopes

Kang far exceeded expectations in his first season in MLB, eventually finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. In 126 games, he had a .287/.355/.461 slash line with 15 home runs and 58 runs batted in.

According to FanGraphs, Kang's 3.9 WAR was second-highest among the Pirates' position players. His four-year, $11 million deal looks like a massive steal, even if his production drops slightly in his sophomore season.

Kang's knee injury and fractured leg were the only blemishes on an otherwise impressive rookie year. His season ended on Sept. 17 in a 9-6 defeat to the Chicago Cubs after he got taken out at second base by Chris Coghlan:

In addition to his offensive value, Kang gives the Pirates some defensive versatility. According to Baseball-Reference.com, he spent 77 games at third base and 60 games at shortstop in 2015. 

Given the Chicago Cubs' hot start, Pittsburgh will be happy to get Kang back in the lineup in order to climb up the National League Central standings.