Padres demote struggling infielder Ha-Seong Kim to Triple-A

Ha-Seong Kim, an infielder for the San Diego Padres, has been sent down to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, the team announced on August 25th (KST). This move comes 111 days after his call-up to Major League Baseball. Outfielder Dustin Harris will take Kim's place on the roster. Harris has been performing well in Triple-A, hitting .350 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 120 at-bats.

Kim had been seeing reduced playing time, sitting out the last three consecutive games and starting only five of his 12 appearances in August. His limited opportunities contributed to a batting average of just .133 for the month. Overall, Kim's season statistics are also modest, with a .202 batting average, one home run, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .568 across 62 games.

The key question now is whether Kim can earn a recall to the big leagues before the postseason. Sports Illustrated noted that the Padres appear to be seeking stronger offensive contributions, a role Harris might fill with his speed. However, the publication also suggested Kim could be recalled before the playoffs, potentially serving as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch-runner. The Padres are currently in third place in the National League wild card race with a 71-60 record.