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.
“That’s unfortunate,” Huntington said. “The situation is a result of regrettable actions. As far as 2018, we still remain optimistic that we'll go through the process again this offseason, and perhaps the thought process or the environment will change. But we have to face the reality that it might not.”
Kang, 30, has thus far been unable to get a United States work visa since being arrested in December for his third DUI. He remains in Seoul, South Korea, and is on Major League Baseball’s restricted list. He is not being paid by the Pirates while he is unavailable to work.
Earlier this month, Huntington told reporters the Pirates still hoped to “get a decision that's in our favor at some point, and we need to be ready to go, to hit the ground running once that happens.”
On Thursday, the general manager’s stance was stronger and less optimistic.
“As far as this year,” Huntington said, “it’s hard to envision a scenario where something is going to change overnight and he’s going to be able to come in here and contribute to help us win games, given the down time and where he is. Again, for next year, it’s uncertain. We’ll see how the offseason plays out.”
Stephen J. Nesbitt: snesbitt@post-gazette.com and Twitter @stephenjnesbitt.
First Published: July 13, 2017, 8:04 p.m.