Pirates' Kang out 6-8 months after undergoing leg, knee surgery

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Jung Ho Kang will be sidelined for six to eight months after undergoing surgery for a displaced lateral tibial plateau fracture, and lateral meniscal repair in his left knee Thursday night at Allegheny General Hospital.

Kang was the victim of a Chris Coghlan takeout slide in Thursday's contest with the Chicago Cubs, and his agent, Alan Nero, issued 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.

Coghlan was sliding into second base, and in an attempt to break up a double play, made hard contact with Kang's left knee.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

"It was just an unfortunate circumstance for him," Coghlan told reporters after the Cubs' 9-6 victory. "I hate that he's hurt. I really do ... at the same time you've got to play the game hard."

Outfielder Andrew McCutchen, the undisputed leader of the Pirates, was one of the first to reach out to Kang upon hearing the devastating news:

Kang, the first positional player to make the transition to the majors from the Korean Baseball Organization, finishes the campaign with a .287/.355/.461 batting line with 15 homers and an .815 OPS in 126 games.

The 28-year-old is under contract through 2018, and has a $5.5-million team option for the 2019 campaign with a $250,000 buyout.

Jordy Mercer will now step into the spotlight for the Pirates during the stretch run.