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Despite Kang Jung-ho’s continued success, will not start Thursday

April 23, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates' Kang Jung-ho (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Kang Jung-ho (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

By Brian Han

South Korean shortstop Kang Jung-ho looks like he’s finally settling in after his third consecutive start replacing Jordy Mercer, who has been out with a rib injury.

Kang went 1-for-2 on Wednesday while driving in a run after a sacrifice fly in the second inning.  The performance brought his season average above the Mendoza line to .211.

The Pittsburgh Pirates beat out the Chicago Cubs 4-3 at home in PNC Park.

On Tuesday, Kang snapped his offensive slump after hitting a deep line drive to center field with the bases loaded driving in three runs.

Despite his recent success at the plate and proficiency on defense, manager Clint Hurdle decided to bring in Mercer, his usual starter, who is currently in a 1-for-15 slump.

Kang’s swing has evolved into a shorter more compact swing since his time in the Korea Baseball Organization, where he incorporated a big leg kick in what may have been a technique to generate more power.