Kim Hye-seong, 27, an infielder with the Oklahoma City Comets, the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, has failed to earn a return to Major League Baseball.
With rosters expanding from 26 to 28 players in September, the Dodgers activated catcher Will Smith from the 60-day injured list on the 2nd, Korea time.
Catcher Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski also came off the injured list, while infielder Alex Freeland was added to the active roster.
To clear space, outfielder Alek Thomas was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City and catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment.
Kim had been seen as a candidate for a call-up as an infield backup, but the Dodgers instead chose Freeland, a switch-hitting infielder. The team opted for Freeland, who can play second base against right-handed pitchers, allowing Tommy Edman to shift to the outfield and giving the club more flexibility.
In 43 major league games this season, Kim batted .259 with 30 hits, one home run, 11 RBIs and five stolen bases. In Triple-A, he has hit .272 with 78 hits, three home runs, 27 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 75 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts drew a clear line on the roster moves, saying it is now time to settle on the players who will go to the postseason together.
Left off the expanded roster, Kim appears unlikely to return this season barring injuries or other changes among the players ahead of him.
The return of Smith, the starting catcher who had been out for nearly three months with a herniated disc in his neck, is expected to inject life into a Dodgers lineup that has slumped recently. Wrobleski, who has recovered from arm inflammation, will work as a long reliever out of the bullpen for the rest of the season.
