Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang said his side strain is “completely fine,” and he is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Monday with the team’s Triple-A Indianapolis farm club.

Kang has been on the injured list since May 12 and was eligible to return to the Pirates’ roster last Wednesday.

“Definitely, it is tough (not being able to play),” he said Sunday morning through interpreter Jeffrey Kim. “I want to play, but the health is the most important part.”

Kang, who missed most of the past two seasons due to visa issues in his native South Korea, was hitting .133 (12 hits in 90 at-bats), with four home runs and eight RBIs this year. He won the third base job in spring training in competition with Colin Moran.

Kang said he doesn’t know how long he will be in Indianapolis.

“It’s not my decision,” he said.

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