Pirates' Choi Ji-man to miss 8 weeks with Achilles injury

Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Choi Ji-man #91 circles the bases on a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the second inning at PNC Park. Reuters-Yonhap

The Pittsburgh Pirates' Korean infielder Choi Ji-man will miss two months with a left Achilles strain.

The Pirates announced Wednesday (U.S. local time) that while Choi will need rest and rehab, his condition will not require surgery. The 31-year-old will be wearing a walking boot for several weeks.

Choi was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) on Saturday, retroactive to the previous day, with what the Pirates called left posterior ankle discomfort.

He first suffered the Achilles strain during spring training. He was batting .125 with two home runs and two RBIs in nine games before hitting the IL.

This is Choi's first season with the Pirates, following an offseason trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. He is set to become a free agent after this season. (Yonhap)

Choi Ji-man #91 of the Pittsburgh Pirates fields the ball in the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox during inter-league play at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 9. AFP-Yonhap