Pittsburgh Pirates News: Jung Ho Kang DFA’d In A Pair Of Roster Moves

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 26: Jung Ho Kang #16 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 26, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 26: Jung Ho Kang #16 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 26, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates roster saw a shake up on Friday afternoon

Prior to the start of Friday’s game against the New York Mets the Pittsburgh Pirates have made a pair of roster moves. With an open spot on the 25-man roster due to trading Corey Dickerson to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday the team needed to make at least one roster move today. However, after designating a veteran infielder for assignment a second move was made.

The Pirates have promoted utility man Pablo Reyes from Triple-A Indianapolis, while also activating utility man Erik Gonzalez from the injured list. In addition, 3B/SS Jung Ho Kang has been designated for assignment.

This offseason the Pirates took a flier on Kang signing him to a 1-year deal in hopes he could find what made him successful in 2015 and 2016. Unfortunately, the South Korean slugger never did. In 185 plate appearances this season he slashed just .169/.222/.395. His .222 ISO was healthy, as was his 10.5% extra base hit rate. However, these numbers were not enough to overcome an alarming 32.4% strikeout rate.

As for the players coming in, to be frank, neither should be on a Major League roster. General manager Neal Huntington pointed at Reyes as someone who could see time with the club after the Dickerson trade. As I wrote about yesterday, there are multiple players who deserve those at bats. None of those players are Reyes.

Reyes started the season with the Pirates and slashed .128/.190/.128 with a -12 wRC+. He struck out in 33.3% of his 39 at bats and looked completely over matched before being optioned to Triple-A.

Gonzalez was acquired from the Cleveland Indians this winter in a five player trade. He was touted as a defensive wizard and began the season as the team’s starting shortstop. Well, before breaking his collarbone on April 19th he was struggling to the tune of a .216/.298/.294 slash line and a 46 wRC+. He struck out 22.0% of his at bats, and his defense was, at best, average.

During his rehab assignment Gonzalez did not hit at all. In 81 plate appearances for Triple-A Indy he slashed .196/.222/.295 with a wRC+ of 24 and a staggering 35.8% strikeout rate.

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As has been discussed, neither Reyes nor Gonzalez should be on the roster. Right now the Pirates should be giving roster spots to players who could be part of the equation in 2020 and beyond. Neither Reyes nor Gonzalez fits this bill.