PITTSBURGH -- Jung Ho Kang is off the restricted list but staying in Triple-A.
The Pirates on Friday reinstated Kang from the restricted list, putting him back on their 40-man roster, and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis. Kang has been playing for Indianapolis since Monday, but he is now being paid the prorated portion of his $3 million salary.
"He's given us a really good effort," general manager Neal Huntington said. "We felt like it was the right time."
The Pirates could have waited longer to activate Kang, as there is no clear-cut requirement to remove him.