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Kang Jung-ho starts at shortstop in place of injured Mercer

April 20, 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates' Jung Ho Kang of Korea, prepares to take the field during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 19, 2015. Kang took over at shortstop when Jordy Mercer was hit by a pitch and left the game. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang of Korea, prepares to take the field during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, April 19, 2015. Kang took over at shortstop when Jordy Mercer was hit by a pitch and left the game. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

By The Korea Times Los Angeles staff

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Kang Jung-ho will start in place of Jordy Mercer Monday as the team hosts the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.

This will be the his second start as a shortstop and his third overall.

Mercer was hit in the chest by a pitch on Sunday, forcing him to leave the game. Although X-rays came back negative, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle decided to play it safe for their starting shortstop.

Kang will bat eighth in the lineup following catcher Francisco Cervelli.