Hurdle: Kang rehab decision unrelated to probe

Associated Press

ChicaGo

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Monday the decision to have Jung Ho Kang continue his injury rehab in Indianapolis instead of Chicago has nothing to do with an investigation into the infielder for an allegation of sexual assault.

Kang traveled with the team to Milwaukee, but went to Triple-A Indianapolis to work out when the team traveled to Chicago for a three-game series against the Cubs. Hurdle said the lack of facilities at Wrigley Field and the team’s workout schedule were the main reasons for the move.

“This would be going on no matter where we were playing right now,” Hurdle said. “This is all part of the rehab mapped out at this particular point.”

Kang hurt his left shoulder sliding head first into second base in the eighth inning of a 6-5 loss to Miami on Aug. 19. He is expected to miss two to four weeks.

Hurdle said Kang took batting practice and fielded grounders while the team was in Milwaukee.

“We wanted to ramp up the activity and this is a tough place to ramp anything up,” Hurdle said before the series opener against the Cubs. “And we’re not having a day of activity tomorrow. We’re taking a rest day with everybody coming in late, so we’re not even going to be on the field. This gives him the full opportunity to practice early, pregame and ramp it out in a much more conducive environment than what he would have here.”

Police said last month that a 23-year-old woman reported being assaulted by Kang inside a hotel. The woman said she blacked out, and then drifted in and out of consciousness as he sexually assaulted her. The woman’s name has not been released.

The 29-year-old Kang has not been charged. Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Monday that the investigation is still ongoing. Police are trying to meet with the alleged victim to ask some questions, he said.

BUCS PLACE GERRIT Cole on DL

The Pirates have placed ace Gerrit Cole on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation.

Cole pitched five shaky innings in a 5-4 loss to Houston on Wednesday, and then let the team know he experienced some discomfort during the outing. He had a 6.08 ERA in five August starts.

Left-hander Steven Brault was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Cole’s spot in the rotation Monday night at the Chicago Cubs.

Cole’s injury means none of Pittsburgh’s five starters from opening day are currently in the rotation. Francisco Liriano and Jon Niese left via trade and Jeff Locke and Juan Nicasio are working out of the bullpen.