PITTSBURGH – At this point in the season, there is zero chance that Jung Ho Kang can return to the Pirates in 2017. Even if he somehow was able to get a work visa, he has missed so much time that he would need too much time to get here and get ready for MLB play. And that’s if he could get a work visa, which he can’t at the moment.
With 2017 out of the question, the focus turns to 2018 and whether the Pirates can get the third baseman back for the final two years of his contract. Neal Huntington didn’t have any answers when asked about that topic by the media this afternoon, including our Alan Saunders.
“I wish I had a good answer for you,” Huntington said. “More of the same. We’re going to continue to work the process with the union and with Major League Baseball. Just to clarify, they’ve been involved in the process from day one. This isn’t a new revelation that, okay, we’re going to get them involved at the All-Star break. We’ve been in touch. We’ve asked for help. We’ve gotten some help along the way. Unfortunately, the calendar is simply working against us for him to have an impact this year. As we plan for next year, it’s still more unknown. As we work through the process, maybe round two brings us different results. If it doesn’t, we’re going to have to play without him.”
Huntington was asked if they have tried for help outside of MLB, but there haven’t been any answers in those avenues either.
“We’ve worked through a lot of different resources,” Huntington said. “We’ve done what we believe we can do to continue to try to find different ways to impact this process. The reality is this young man’s off-field decisions put him in a situation where it’s out of his call and out of our call whether he’s going to be able to come play professional baseball in the United States.”
Huntington said that Kang can’t play in Korea, since that would require him to be released from his contract with the Pirates, which he said “brings a whole other level of challenges.”
The Pirates have David Freese to take over for Kang, but they’re realizing this year that Freese, at his age, doesn’t have the stamina to be an everyday player. If nothing changes with Kang, they’re probably going to need to find a Plan B for third base for the 2018 season.
Starling Marte’s Return
Starling Marte will return to the Pirates on Tuesday, although he will join the team on Monday. Huntington said that Marte will be with the team, although there are limitations on what he can do.
“He can’t be in uniform and he can’t be in the dugout or bullpen,” Huntington said. “He can be here and he can work out. He just can’t be in uniform with the club when we’re in our normal workout. – is expected to be here Monday and work out.”
Meadows Progressing
Austin Meadows continues rehabbing from his hamstring injury, and has been taking batting practice with the GCL team. Huntington didn’t have specifics on when he could return, but did provide a general update on Meadows’ rehab.
“He’s doing well,” Huntington said. “He wanted to be playing and not rehabbing. He’s progressing very well. Still trying to make sure we get his legs back underneath him. We’re still trying to get the leg healthy and then get him into a baseball progression. He’s feeling good and has checked boxes so far.”
Contract Extension?
Huntington was asked about a potential extension, after rumors earlier in the year said that he and Clint Hurdle would be extended during the season. His response was similar to all of the responses we’ve gotten so far, where Huntington wants to stay, Nutting wants him to stay, and neither side is making it a priority to get an extension finished.
“As Bob said in Spring Training, as Frank said in Spring Training, as I’ve said essentially every time I’m asked, they’ve expressed interest in having us continue,” Huntington said. “I’ve expressed interest in continuing. I’m sure at the appropriate time, we’ll get down to business and put something together. Our focus right now is on this club and making the right decisions for this club moving forward. We feel very comfortable doing it.”
