Kim's second stint in Arizona ends after two awful starts

MIAMI -- Byung-Hyun Kim's latest stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks lasted only two starts.

Arizona designated Kim for assignment Wednesday, a day after he retired only one batter in a 14-5 loss to the Florida Marlins.

Manager Bob Melvin pulled Kim after 17 pitches. The right-hander allowed four runs, three earned, to boost his ERA in two starts with the Diamondbacks to 23.63.

"We weren't getting results there, and we had to make a decision," Melvin said. "He pitched a couple of games for us and didn't do very well in either game. The position we're in now, we have to have better results in that spot."

Kim, Arizona's former closer, was reacquired Aug. 3 after the Marlins waived him.

The NL West-leading Diamondbacks also designated for assignment left-hander Joe Kennedy and placed infielder Chad Tracy on the 15-day disabled list with right knee tendinitis. Recalled from Triple-A Tucson were right-handers Dustin Nippert and Jailen Peguero and outfielder Jeff Salazar.

Kennedy had a 20.25 ERA in three relief appearances with Arizona after being claimed off waivers from Oakland on Aug. 4.

"You take some chances and try to add some guys you think could help and have had some success," Melvin said. "If it doesn't work out, you have to move on."

The Diamondbacks have 10 days to trade, release or send down Kim and Kennedy.

Tracy has been hobbled despite receiving a cortisone shot, and the Diamondbacks decided extended rest was the best treatment. He's batting .261 in 75 games.

"If we can't run him out there for consecutive games, the position we're in right now, it's difficult to deal with," Melvin said. "Hopefully in the 15 days we can alleviate this problem and get him back at a key time."

Nippert and Peguero provide reinforcements in the bullpen. Salazar, who made a sensational over-the-fence catch in right field for Arizona earlier this season, gives the team a fourth outfielder.

Yusmeiro Petit will likely be recalled to take Kim's place in the rotation Sunday at Atlanta. Petit was 2-3 with a 4.23 ERA in seven starts with Arizona before being sent to Tucson.