Pittsburgh Pirates Jung Ho Kang Entering Treatment Facility
By David Hill
It has been an interesting offseason for Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang, but not for the right reasons. At least he is seeking help.
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang has found himself in the news quite a bit this offseason, but not for the right reasons. He was arrested for his third DUI in Korea, after leaving the scene of an accident. That incident led to Kang being left off of South Korea’s entry into the World Baseball Classic this year. It has been a rough offseason, to say the least.
However, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. In an effort to get himself back on track, Kang has agreed to enter a treatment facility recommended to him by a joint panel following that arrest. While there is not any information as to how long Kang would be in the facility, Pirates general manager Neil Huntington said that he expects Kang in camp on February 17, when Spring Training is set to begin.
This comes on the heels of a solid, but tumultuous season for Kang. He missed the start of the season due to torn ligaments in his knee and a broken leg that he suffered at the end of the 2015 season, and was accused of sexual assault. This DUI arrest was another strike against the infielder.
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When he has been on the field, Kang has been worth every cent of the four year, $11 Million contract that he signed. He has produced a .273/.355/.483 batting line, hitting 36 home runs and 46 doubles. Kang has also proven to be a solid option defensively, either at short or third.
The question surrounding Kang involves how much the Pirates can count on him to be on the field. These incidents certainly make one question his maturity and, possibly, future availability. It would not be a surprise to see the Commissioner’s Office suspend Kang for either of these incidents, especially when he has been a repeat offender.
Entering the treatment facility of his own accord is a great first step to getting his life back on track. And, in doing so, Kang may limit the punishment that he receives. More importantly, this treatment facility could keep Kang from having problems in the future.
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Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang is heading to a treatment facility after his DUI arrest. This is a great first step on the road to recovery.