Pirates' Jung Ho Kang: Easing back into role

Manager Clint Hurdle continues to say he'll be conservative with Kang's playing time, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I'm not going to be overly aggressive," Hurdle said. "Our eyes will tell us things. We also have different ways to measure his recovery with the training staff and the strength and conditioning coaches and also with what Jung Ho is feeling. We're not going to be overly protective, but we're going to do what's best for him."

Analysis:

Kang lined out to center in a pinch-hit appearance Sunday. The Pirates have stated a preference to have the third baseman play two games and then sit out the third, but circumstances will likely help dictate his playing time after the team gets a better gauge on his physical capabilities. "His gait has gotten better," Hurdle said of Kang's surgically-repaired left knee. "I don't think we'll see him running 100 percent until next season. What we're seeing now, though, is going to work."