Pirates bringing infielder Kang in for physical

PITTSBURGH (AP) Korean infielder Jung-ho Kang is on his way to Pittsburgh to finalize a deal with the Pirates.

The 27-year-old Kang flew to Pittsburgh on Wednesday and is expected to undergo a physical on Thursday. Barring a setback he will join the team by the weekend, giving them some needed depth - and potentially - more in the middle infield.

The Pirates bid more than $5 million to negotiate with Kang and have spent the last month working out the details. Kang hit .356 with 40 home runs for the Nexen Heroes last season.

His presence would give Pittsburgh flexibility and possibly some needed offensive punch. Jordy Mercer will begin spring training as the starting shortstop and second baseman Neil Walker is coming off a career-high 23 home runs in 2014.