The Braves announced that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim has been placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 1) due to inflammation in his right middle finger.  Right-hander Anthony Molina was also optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.  To fill the two roster spots, the Braves activated infielder Kyle Farmer from the 10-day IL and called up right-hander JR Ritchie from Triple-A.

Kim hasn’t played since June 30, when he was a late-game pinch-runner and also played an inning at shortstop.  The lack of playing time was thought to be related to Kim’s poor production rather than injury, as Kim has hit a measly .068/.171/.068 in 82 plate appearances.  Kim’s season debut was delayed until May 12 due to a torn tendon in that same finger, and it could be that the infielder has yet to fully shake off the after-effects of his surgery, resulting in his lack of production.

With Kim in such a dire slump, Atlanta has continued to give time at shortstop to utilitymen Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon, who have both hit decently well.  Both can handle the position in a pinch and Farmer’s return also adds to the Braves’ infield depth chart.  Farmer has been sidelined since mid-May due to a forearm strain, and the utilityman’s minor league rehab assignment included some time at his old position of catcher, as Farmer looked to increase his versatility as a bench piece.

It has been widely expected that Atlanta will look to add a shortstop prior to the trade deadline, so Kim’s absence doesn’t really impact what was already a target area.  Manager Walt Weiss should have an update on Kim’s status prior to tonight’s game, and potentially news on when the Braves could expect Kim back in action.

Ritchie’s contract was first selected back in April, and this now marks the third time Atlanta has called the top pitching prospect up to the Show.  Ritchie has started seven of his eight games and delivered a 4.87 ERA over 40 2/3 innings, but he’ll work as a long man during this latest stint on the 26-man roster.  The Braves don’t have an off-day until the All-Star break, so Ritchie can provide innings and potentially step in as a spot starter if the club wants to give one of its regular starters some extra rest.