Sept. 19--Cubs manager Joe Maddon was glad to hear injured Pirates shortstop Jung Ho Kang absolve Chris Coghlan of any blame for Coghlan's takeout slide in Thursday's game at PNC Park.
Coghlan has received some criticism for the injury, which will sideline Kang the rest of the season and into 2016.
"There is not (any intention to injure)" Maddon said. "Anybody that wants to go there, you don't know the game at all. It's a tough game. There are a lot of hard plays out there. The baseball's hard. These guys are in great shape, they run fast.
"Good major league baseball players make the game look like it's relatively easy when it's not. That's just a hard play and it's unfortunate that he got injured."
Kang suffered a broken leg and torn knee ligaments from the slide, which will sideline him from 6-8 months.
According to DKPittsbughsports.com, Kang released a statement Thursday saying: "It is unfortunate that what would be considered heads up baseball would cause such a serious injury. That said, Coghlan was playing the game the way it should be played. I'm confident he meant me no harm. I appreciate everyone's support."
Maddon had an initial report he received on Kang's injury was that it was less severe.
"Unfortunately that's not true," Maddon said. "Believe me, nobody wanted to see that fellow hurt. And it's going to be a very difficult recovery and he's very important to that team. We do wish him well. It's unfortunate that it happened, but there are no apologies necessary. It was a good baseball play."
Coghlan said Thursday he was going to send Kang a letter. He was unavailable to comment on the injury before Friday's game.
