ATLANTA -- Ha-Seong Kim has become a $20 million bench player for the Braves, but the veteran infielder may get a chance to play during an upcoming Minor League rehab stint.
Kim was placed on the 10-day injured list with right middle finger inflammation on Saturday. This is the same finger that was surgically repaired after he tore a ligament when he slipped on ice in his native South Korea in January, shortly after signing a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves.
In a corresponding move, Kyle Farmer was activated from the 10-day injured list. Farmer has enhanced his versatility by reacclimating himself with the catcher’s position during his rehab stint.
The Braves also recalled JR Ritchie and optioned Anthony Molina to Triple-A Gwinnett. Ritchie will provide a long relief option over the next few days. Atlanta is currently utilizing a seven-man bullpen because Bryce Elder’s turn was skipped. Elder, whose velocity was down during last week’s start in San Francisco, will likely start on Wednesday or Thursday in Pittsburgh.
Kim missed the season’s first six weeks recovering from surgery and played in nine rehab games before being activated. He has hit .068 (5-for-73) since being activated. His struggles led the Braves to have Mauricio Dubón, Jorge Mateo, and recently, Jim Jarvis, each serve as their starting shortstop.
When Ronald Acuña Jr. is activated from the injured list after the All-Star break, Dubón will likely move from being the primary left fielder to shortstop. But if Kim can get right during a rehab stint, he could at least make himself a candidate to rejoin Atlanta’s lineup during the season’s second half. Kim’s stint could potentially create some trade value as well.