Pirates rookie Kang leaves Cubs game with knee injury

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang has left the game against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning with a knee injury.

The rookie was hurt Thursday when Chris Coghlan slid into him while unsuccessfully trying to break up a double play.

Kang was helped off the field by two members of the training staff and replaced by Jordy Mercer. The Pirates said Kang's left knee was being treated and evaluated.

Kang is hitting .287 with 15 home runs in 126 games. He's the first native South Korean position player to make the majors from the Korean Baseball Organization, where he was the MVP last season.