As the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates battle for National League playoff position, neither one can afford to lose one of their young stars. The Pirates suffered this fate on Thursday, as infielder Jung Ho Kang tore his MCL and fractured a tibia and will miss the rest of the season.
The injury occurred on a double play attempt in the first inning of Thursday's 9-6 loss. Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan attempted to break up the double play with an aggressive slide, but took the legs out from underneath Kang during his relay to first base.
Kang was down for several minutes after his foot was planted into the ground, causing major damage on contact with Coghlan's leg. Kang was carried off the field by the training staff, sent to the hospital and replaced by Jordy Mercer.
The Pirates' up and coming rookie underwent tests at the medical facility, revealing the tear and fracture. Coghlan showed sympathy for the Pirates' shortstop, saying that he even sent him over a letter.
Coghlan did acknowledge that he was just playing the game hard, and doesn't regret that aspect of the play. The Pirates released a statement saying that his slide was within the rules of the game.
Kang was hitting .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI in 26 games. He is also the first native South Korean position player to transition from the Korean Baseball Organization to Major League Baseball. He looks to transition himself back on to the field from this tragic injury as soon as possible.
The injury occurred on a double play attempt in the first inning of Thursday's 9-6 loss. Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan attempted to break up the double play with an aggressive slide, but took the legs out from underneath Kang during his relay to first base.
Kang was down for several minutes after his foot was planted into the ground, causing major damage on contact with Coghlan's leg. Kang was carried off the field by the training staff, sent to the hospital and replaced by Jordy Mercer.
The Pirates' up and coming rookie underwent tests at the medical facility, revealing the tear and fracture. Coghlan showed sympathy for the Pirates' shortstop, saying that he even sent him over a letter.
Coghlan did acknowledge that he was just playing the game hard, and doesn't regret that aspect of the play. The Pirates released a statement saying that his slide was within the rules of the game.
Kang was hitting .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBI in 26 games. He is also the first native South Korean position player to transition from the Korean Baseball Organization to Major League Baseball. He looks to transition himself back on to the field from this tragic injury as soon as possible.
