On Thursday, general manager Neal Huntington admitted one can “pretty much eliminate the thought” Jung Ho Kang will play for the Pirates in 2017. It might seem common sense, since Kang already has missed 89 games, but it was the first time this year Huntington clarified Kang is unlikely to return to Pittsburgh this season.
At this point, Huntington told the Post-Gazette, the front office must proceed with its roster decisions with the understanding Kang is not a certain to be available for the remainder of his contract, which extends through next season and includes a club option for 2019.