Kim's tenure with D-Backs over

Jack Magruder, Tribune

August 15, 2007 - 11:22AM

Byung-Hyun Kim

Byung-Hyun Kim’s second tenure with the Diamondbacks lasted only 12 days, and he was not the only one dispatched after a terrible Tuesday.

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The D-Backs designated Kim and reliever Joe Kennedy for assignment Wednesday while also placing Chad Tracy on the disabled list.

The D-Backs recalled relievers Dustin Nippert and Jailen Peguero and outfielder Jeff Salazar from Triple-A Tucson to fill the roster for today’s game at Florida.

Peguero and Salazar made immediate contributions in the D-Backs’ 9-6 victory Wednesday, Peguero pitching a scoreless eighth inning after Salazar had a two-out pinch-single to cap a four-run seventh.

Yusmeiro Petit, who has made seven starts for the D-Backs this season, will be recalled from Tucson to make the start originally slated for Kim on Sunday, at which time another roster move will be made.

Kim and Kennedy were both ineffective in a 14-5 loss to Florida on Tuesday, when the bullpen was so taxed that shortstop Augie Ojeda had to pitch the eighth inning.

Kim started but recorded only one out, giving up four runs in his second start with the D-Backs after being claimed off waivers from Florida on Aug. 3.

He was 0-1 with a 23.63 ERA in 2 2/3 innings with the D-Backs, giving up 11 hits and nine runs, seven earned.

Kennedy, claimed from Oakland on Aug. 4, retired only one of the nine men he faced in Florida’s six-run fourth inning, giving up three singles and two walks while hitting three batters. He had a 20.25 ERA in three D-Backs appearances covering 2 2/3 innings.

Tracy has been bothered by knee soreness for more than a month and took a cortisone shot last Thursday to combat the pain. He also has taken two injections of a lubricating gel in the knee joint.

Salazar give the D-Backs a fourth outfielder, and Jeff Cirillo, claimed off waivers from Minnesota on Aug. 3, will provide depth at third behind starter Mark Reynolds.

Kim still holds the D-Backs’ season saves record with 36 in 2002, although Jose Valverde has 35 this season.

Of the 22 batters Kim faced in starts against Pittsburgh and Florida, 15 reached base.

He gave up five runs, four earned, in an Aug. 8 start against Pittsburgh, but the D-Backs recovered for a 10-6 victory.

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SHAWN

WELL ITS ABOUT TIME. WHY DID WE EVEN BRING HIM BACK. HE IS WORTHLESS Suggest removal of this comment

August 15, 2007

One

Why was Kim brought back to the Dbacks? He is great as a reliever, but not a starter. He doesn't have the physical ability to last as a starter. I know most pitchers want to be a starter, but reality is a bit harsh at time. Some are only good at relief and closing. Suggest removal of this comment

August 15, 2007

JoeB

I'll never lose the image of Kim squatting on the mound at Yankee Stadium with his hands over his head as he blew another save in the 2001 World Series. Then again, it's part of what made that such a great World Series. His name will always be remembered here. I wish him well. Seemed like a harmless kid -- off the mound, that is! Suggest removal of this comment