Pirates manager: We want to prepare Jung-ho Kang for a starting role

Jung-ho Kang's role with the Pittsburgh Pirates remains uncertain as spring training gets underway, but manager Clint Hurdle emphasized Monday that the Korean expat will be groomed for an everyday job.

“We believe we've brought in a player who's going to be an everyday player,” Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune. “When that happens, we don't know. We want to prepare him for a starting role, see how the season plays out, see where he can fit and what he can add. Everybody's vision down the road is for this man to post up and become a regular player in the Pirates' lineup.”

Kang, who became the first position player to transition from the Korean Baseball Organization to the major leagues when he signed a four-year deal with Pittsburgh in January, played primarily at shortstop throughout his nine years with the Nexen Heroes.

Though Kang is unlikely to supplant incumbent third baseman Josh Harrison or second baseman Neil Walker, the 27-year-old will receive reps this spring at both those positions.

"It's not something I can decide," Kang said through a translator. "Whatever the team asks for, I'm going to prepare for it and be ready for it."