Pittsburgh infielder Jung Ho Kang injured on takeout slide in loss to Cubs

Pittsburgh rookie infileder Jung Ho Kang suffered a left leg injury in the first inning of a 9-6 loss to the Cubs on Thursday when Chicago outfielder Chris Coghlan took him out trying to break up a double play sliding into second.

Chicago had the bases loaded and no outs when Anthony Rizzo grounded to second baseman Neil Walker who tossed the ball to Kang covering second.

Kang had to leave the game and was reportedly taken to the hospital to have an MRI performed to assess any damage he suffered when Coghlan made hard contact with his planted leg while Kang was throwing to first base.

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There was nothing out of the ordinary about the play or Coghlan’s slide. Similar plays happen in games every day around the major leagues because baserunners are taught to slide into the infielder, trying to disrupt a throw. This is likely to receive a little more attention because it happened in a game involving two teams competing for the two wild card positions in the National League.

Kang has been a big part of the Pirates success this season, particularly with his bat. He is hitting .287 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs. The Pirates can absorb losing him when it comes to defense with Jordy Mercer, available. Mercer replaced Kang Thursday, but there are no options on the Pirates’ bench who have been as effective offensively this season.

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There was no update on Kang’s condition immediately after the game, but we’ll bring it to you when it comes. Pittsburgh now leads the Cubs by two in the wild card.

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Kyle Ringo is a contributing writer to Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @KyleRingo