Pirates' Kang to get MRI on knee after takeout slide

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Jung Ho Kang was helped off the field during the first inning of Thursday's finale against the Chicago Cubs after injuring his left knee at second base.

Kang dropped to the ground in pain after Chris Coghlan took out his knee while unsuccessfully trying to break up a double play. He was replaced by Jordy Mercer with two outs in the first and Chicago leading 1-0.

"It was just an unfortunate circumstance for him," a regretful Coghlan told reporters after the Cubs' 9-5 win. "I hate that he's hurt. I really do ... at the same time you've got to play the game hard."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The Pirates announced after the game that Kang was taken to hospital where he was scheduled to undergo an MRI.

Kang released the following statement regarding the incident:

It is unfortunate that what would be considered heads-up baseball would cause such a serious injury. That said, Coghlan was playing the game the way it should be played. I'm confident he meant me no harm. I appreciate everyone's support.

The South Korean slugger has been a revelation for the wild card-leading Pirates, managing 15 homers and an .815 OPS in 126 games. Kang is the first position player to make the transition to the majors from the Korean Baseball Organization, where he won MVP honors last season after batting .356 with 40 homers.

Kang's injury capped a disappointing day for the Pirates, who lost for the third time in four tries against the Cubs. Pittsburgh now leads Chicago by two games in the race for the top wild-card spot.