Jung Ho Kang has been cleared to play with no restrictions in games at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., Pirates trainer Todd Tomczyk said this afternoon.
Kang, who had major knee surgery in September, has played in back-to-back games, five or six innings at a time, and is free to swing, field and run the bases. He also started sliding on mats at Pirate City. He is expected to return as soon as late April and take over as the Pirates everyday third baseman.
Other injury news:
• C Elias Diaz has been shut down again after feeling more discomfort in his right elbow while playing catch on flat ground.