Report: Kim not expected to make Orioles' roster

Hyun Soo Kim's first season playing ball in the United States could start in Norfolk.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Korean outfielder isn't expected to make the Baltimore Orioles' roster, and though his contract doesn't allow the club to send him to the minor leagues without his permission, he may be willing to accept a demotion to Triple-A.

Kim, a star with the Doosan Bears who signed a two-year, $7-million contract with Baltimore in December, was expected to see regular time in the Orioles' outfield in 2016, but labored through a brutal spring training that seemingly compelled the front office to reevaluate its plans.

In 16 Grapefruit League games, the 28-year-old hit .182/.229/.182 with six strikeouts and one walk - including an 0-for-23 stretch to begin his first spring with the Orioles.

Amid Kim's underwhelming performance, the Orioles had reportedly discussed the possibility of working out an arrangement to release him from his contract and allow him to return to the Korea Baseball Organization. On Saturday, Orioles president of baseball operations Dan Duquette indicated he was still in the process of evaluating Kim, who posted a .979 OPS with 28 homers in Korea last year.