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Pirates Notebook: Jung-ho Kang Questionable, Hurdle on Slides

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PITTSBURGH – Jung-ho Kang is not in this afternoon’s starting lineup, and Clint Hurdle could not confirm whether he is available to be used as a pinch hitter. Kang suffered a left hand injury while sliding into home plate in the fourth inning of last night’s 5-1 loss to the Rockies. David Freese replaced Kang at third base to start the sixth.

“They’re going to run him through a series of tests, put a bat in his hand. That was the complicated part for him yesterday,” Hurdle said earlier this morning. “We’ll get a bat in his hand and see if he’s available to come off the bench.”

The controversial Rule 7.13 is designed to limit dangerous collisions at home plate, but its interpretation and application have been confusing since it was implemented in 2014. Hurdle mentioned that he has reached out to MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre for clarification, and that he also spoke with Jim Leyland earlier this morning.

“My challenge is to make sure that I am able to convey, with clarity, the definition of acceptable and unacceptable, or block or non-block, to these players,” said Hurdle. “I’m looking for somebody that’s been in a dugout for a long time, with some experience, to explain to me why it wasn’t a block.”

“I’m trying to fight for solutions, and get clarity for the players, so they have a better understanding,” Hurdle reiterated, noting that he welcomes the opportunity to be part of the refinement process for Rule 7.13 and the instant replay system.

“I’m looking for that day ten years from now, when I can say I was part of that group that put in that replay system, and had to walk through some of the murky waters, and cut some different things with players.”

Coaches Discouraging Head-First Slides

The Pirates’ coaching staff has continued to stress the importance of feet-first slides to reduce the likelihood of injuries to sensitive areas like the hands and wrists.

“We share with them all the time the peril of head-first slides. That’s a decision on the player’s part that they have to make,” Hurdle said, noting that a player often chooses to slide head-first or not based on personal preference or previous experience.

“If you go feet-first, there’s a real good chance you won’t hurt your hand on a slide,” Hurdle continued. “That’s the message that’s given out there, and what they want to take from it comes down to their own personal choice, and how they feel they need to play the game best.”

Hurdle was understanding of the suggestion that Kang may have chosen to slide head-first because of his leg injury, but noted that the injury was sustained in a different context. It would not be surprising to soon see Kang sporting the “oven mitt” that Starling Marte and other Pirates have worn while on the base paths in recent years to decrease the likelihood of further hand or wrist injuries.

Reflection at the Quarter Post

Clint Hurdle and members of the coaching staff are currently meeting individually with players to evaluate their progress and identify opportunities for improvement through the first quarter of the season.

“It’s a good volume of games to get an understanding of what’s gone well, what we need to work on,” Hurdle said. “Communication is important, and it’s more to remind players than to tell them what to do, and I think they do appreciate the feedback. If nothing else, they know you’re paying attention.”

Other Notes

  • Francisco Cervelli will start today, but has been moved to sixth in the batting order. He hit .283/.372/.354 in 130 PA over 32 games in that spot last season.
  • Since reaching a season-low .345 OBP on May 6th, John Jaso is hitting .395/.458/.591 in 48 plate appearances over his last twelve games, including a .500/.560/.682 (22 PA) stretch during the current homestand.
  • Today’s starter Juan Nicasio allowed 13 runs in his last three starts (15.1 IP). He will look to get back on track against his former team, which he will face for the first time this season.

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