Struggling Pirates excited about Kang's return

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and were just swept by division rival Chicago Cubs in a three-game series, so some reinforcements might be a good idea.

They could come Friday in the form of Jung Ho Kang, who is expected to return to the Pirates' lineup after spending seven and a half months recovering from a torn meniscus and fractured tibia.

Kang was on the team's flight to St. Louis on Thursday and his teammates were so excited about his return, they just had to let the world know.

The 29-year-old Kang was a huge boon to the Pirates' offense in his rookie campaign, hitting .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs before a Chris Coghlan slide ended his season.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Kang is expected to reclaim his spot at third base, currently occupied by David Freese, but will be eased back into action as he looks to get his knee up to full speed.