PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - The Pittsburgh Pirates announced prior to the game Friday afternoon at PNC Park that they have designated Infielder Jung Ho Kang for assignment.
"This season (I) didn't do really well, unexpectedly," said Kang thru his translator. "I feel, definitely, bad for (the) team, fans, manager and everybody, Pirates. So, I'll try to do better for next time with whatever we do."
Kang played in 65 games for the Pirates this season.
The Bucs were hoping when they re-signed Kang in December, he would be a power bat for the club but the success he had in 2015 and 2016 was unable to be found.
"I tried to do my best for this year, but some how, I don't know what's the reason that it caused it (struggles) to happen," said Kang thru translator. "I tried to fix it as soon as possible...Still working on it to become a better (player)."
Kang’s $3 million for one year day was supposed to be club friendly but with an average of only .169 with 10 home runs and 60 strikeouts (he struck out his last five plate appearances for the Bucs), The Pirates did not get their money’s worth.
With this move and the Corey Dickerson trade, the Pirates have activated Infielder Erik Gonzalez and called up Pablo Reyes to the roster.