Dodgers' Kim Hye-seong to begin minor league rehab assignment this week

In this Imagn Images photo, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Kim Hye-seong fields a ball during warm ups before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Aug. 10. Reuters-Yonhap

Out since late July with shoulder inflammation, Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers will begin a rehab assignment in the minor leagues this week.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Sunday (U.S. local time) that Kim will report to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets this week to test out his left shoulder in a game setting. Per reports, the South Korean rookie was able to take live batting practice Sunday without problems.

Kim landed on the injured list (IL) with left shoulder bursitis on July 29. Kim, who bats left and throws right, had been dealing with left shoulder pains for days that had affected his swing before being placed on the IL.

He finished June with a .383/.425/.543 line, but he hit only .193/.207/.211 in 21 games in July before hitting the sidelines, including a 2-for-12 skid with nine strikeouts over his final five games.

He signed with the Dodgers in January after eight years in the Korea Baseball Organization. Kim overhauled his swing during spring training and began the regular season in Triple-A before being called up on May 3.

In 58 games, Kim has a .304/.338/.406 line with two homers, 15 RBIs and 12 steals. Kim is tied for second on the Dodgers in steals with Andy Pages, who has played 62 more games than the South Korean.

The versatile defender has logged playing time at second base, shortstop and center field.