Pirates Jung Ho Kang: Playoff Power Off The Waiver Wire

While the Pirates look to be out of the playoffs, Jung Ho Kang returned from injury and is hitting well. He should be added for the final weeks.

The Pittsburgh Pirates season is not going to the way many thought it would go. With the pitching staff and lineup they had at the season, the Pirates looked to be one of the favorites coming out of the National League central. That doesn’t mean they should stop trying. Third baseman Jung Ho Kang looks good returning from injury and should be added to your playoff team.

Kang started the season on the disabled list and didn’t make his 2016 debut until May 6. In the first half, he hit .248/.326/.509 with 11 home runs, 30 RBI and 22 runs. He also had 44 strikeouts and 12 walks in that span.

Things were going well until he injured his shoulder. He missed the second half of August and returned on Sept. 5 as a pinch hitter. In his first start, he went 3-for-5 with two home runs and three RBI.

Since his return, Kang is hitting .522 with four homers, 10 RBI and six runs. He has a 2:2 strikeout to walk ratio. His average is now at .267, the highest it’s been since June 24.

The Pirates have a pretty favorable schedule coming up. They begin a 11-game road trip, starting in Philadelphia. They then travel to Cincinnati for another four-game series (double-header on Saturda). After an off day, the Pirates finish up Milwaukee. All three teams’ pitching staffs have an ERA over 3.60 since the All-Star break. Kang should be able to hit without a problem.

Besides his bat, Kang benefits owners in another way. He is eligible at both third base and shortstop. Having the flexibility to slot Kang at third, short or either corner or middle infield positions will help in the playoffs.

Kang is owned in just under 45 percent of ESPN leagues. He’s been added in 21.5 percent of leagues over the last week. With the power and contact he’s made since returning, it’s easy to see why owners are adding him. He has some good matchups over the next two weeks and owners should be taking advantage of that.