CHICAGO — By now, Jung Ho Kang is used to making transitions.
The 28-year-old South Korean moved nearly 7,000 miles when he signed a four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January. So moving 45 feet between shortstop and third base has not affected the 6-foot, 210-pound player in his first season in the majors.
Kang made his 22nd start at third base Thursday against the Chicago White Sox. He also has started 16 games at shortstop, where he won four Gold Glove awards in the Korea Baseball Organization.
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said Kang’s versatility on defense gave him freedom to mix and match his infield starters depending on the game. On Thursday, Kang started at third base while Jordy Mercer started at shortstop and Josh Harrison started at second base.
“We think that’s our best defensive infield,” Hurdle said. “I think Kang is a very good defender at shortstop. I believe Mercer might be a grade above him as an overall defensive shortstop. Kang’s bat plays better, I like him at third base. He’s played a bunch of games at short, finished games at short.”
Kang adjusted quickly to big-league pitchers. He is hitting .284 with four home runs, 25 RBIs and four stolen bases in 51 games. He also sports a .364 on-base percentage.
Yet it is Kang’s glove that drew some of Hurdle’s loudest praise.
“I didn’t know how well his feet worked with his hands,” Hurdle said. “This guy has a great feel for plays in the infield and how to set up his feet. He’s shown it seven times in the last three games (at third base) — high chopper, slow roller, hard ball to his left. He’s shown it at shortstop.
“He has excellent feet, excellent footwork — they work so well with his hands. I’m very impressed with him.”