CINCINNATI -- As MLB.com first reported on Saturday, Marlins infielder Aaron Boone will undergo season-ending arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 4.
Boone, who has been on the disabled list since June 25 with a left knee sprain, said on Sunday he would welcome a return to South Florida once his rehabilitation process is complete.
"It's been a positive experience for me here," Boone said. "There are a lot of talented people here. I've been treated very well by the organization. There are reasons to be excited."
Boone plans to fly to Cincinnati on Sept. 3. The surgery is scheduled to be performed the following day by Dr. Timothy Kremchek of Beacon Orthopedic. Kremchek is the medical director for the Cincinnati Reds.
"[Kremchek] knows me, he knows my history," said Boone, who played seven seasons with the Reds. "I've known him for a long time. I knew we were coming [to Cincinnati]. He thinks there are some minor things in the knee that can be cleaned up."
Boone was batting .286 with five home runs and 28 RBIs prior to the injury. He signed a one-year contract with the Marlins in December 2006 worth a reported $925,000. That deal is up after this season, making him a free agent.
Boone realizes that the fact he'll undergo his second surgery in three years on his left knee will raise red flags for some potential suitors.
Boone missed the entire 2004 season following surgery on his left knee.
"If that crosses some teams off the list, that's fine," Boone said. "With us out of the race, surgery was the best thing. I want to get over that final hump. I should have a clean bill of health going into the offseason."
Kim's debut: After a two-week hiatus between being waived by Arizona and reacquired by Florida, right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim's struggles continue.
Kim, who was waived by the Diamondbacks after lasting just 17 pitches in an outing against the Marlins, allowed four runs on four hits in one inning on Saturday, just hours after signing a free-agent deal which brought him back to Florida for a second stint this season.
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said his plan is to utilize Kim out of the bullpen before inserting him into the starting rotation in order to help limit the innings of a few of the club's young starters.
Despite Kim's poor outing Saturday, Gonzalez will not alter his plan.
"Not at all," Gonzalez said. "We'll get him back in there and look for an opportunity to stretch him out a little bit. He'll get another bullpen session. We'll figure it out after the off-day and see where everybody lines up."
Kim said he threw regularly during the two weeks off. He threw long toss every other day and kept up with his conditioning and workouts.
"I still have confidence," Kim said. "I want to prove myself. I want to show people here and in my country that I can still do it. Hopefully, I can help the team. I'm looking for a fresh start."
Gonzalez isn't surprised that Kim is a bit rusty after 10 days away from the game.
"It shouldn't take him long to get ready," Gonzalez said. "He likes to throw every day. He got his work in. Problem is, it's hard to find Major League hitters on the sandlot."
Home sweet home: After a particularly grueling road trip, the Marlins return home to Dolphin Stadium on Monday for a six-game homestand.
Florida will be looking to finish a disappointing road trip on a positive note with a victory Sunday at Great American Ball Park.
"It's always good to go home," said Gonzalez. "We've got to start playing better at home. We've been awful. Hopefully, we can get one [Sunday] and go 2-4. It's better than 1-5."
Treanor's time: Matt Treanor was back in the Marlins' starting lineup Sunday, behind the plate, batting seventh.
Gonzalez expects to give the 31-year old more opportunities to play during the season's final five weeks.
"He's earned that," Gonzalez said. "He's been playing regularly catching Dontrelle [Willis]. He's been playing well."
Treanor, who's batting .306 in 41 games, was also Kim's regular catcher during the right-hander's first tour of duty with Florida. Gonzalez wouldn't say if Treanor would continue to catch Kim.
"We'll see how it works out," Gonzalez said.
Miguel Cabrera, who is batting .321 with 30 home runs and 91 RBIs, was not in Sunday's starting lineup.
"Just a little breather," said Gonzalez.
Coming up: The Marlins return home on Monday to start a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Left-hander Scott Olsen (9-11, 5.39) will start for Florida. He'll be opposed by Braves right-hander Lance Cormier (0-4, 9.00). Game time is 7:05 p.m. ET.
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