The Atlanta Braves announced that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be sidelined for four to five months following surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The injury, which occurred while Kim was in Korea, necessitated the procedure performed on October 1, 2023, in Atlanta.
Kim’s return to the Braves this offseason marked a significant commitment for the team, having signed a one-year contract valued at $20 million. General manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed optimism about Kim’s potential contribution, stating the club aimed for him to replicate his previous success with the San Diego Padres. Anthopoulos emphasized a long-term vision for Kim within the team structure.
The 30-year-old infielder has a career batting average of .242, with a total of 52 home runs and 217 runs batted in (RBIs) across his stints with the Padres, the Tampa Bay Rays, and now the Braves. Last season, while splitting time between the Rays and the Braves, Kim posted a .234 batting average, hitting five home runs and driving in 17 RBIs. He was claimed off waivers by Atlanta on September 1, 2024, adding depth to the Braves’ lineup.
Kim’s injury represents a setback for the Braves, especially considering he did not make his season debut until July 4, 2024, due to right shoulder surgery earlier that year. The acquisition of Kim had originally suggested that Mauricio Dubon, who joined the Braves from Houston in November, would assume a utility role rather than starting at shortstop. With Kim now expected to miss a substantial part of the upcoming season, those plans may need to be revised.
As the Braves prepare for the challenges ahead, the team’s management will be closely monitoring Kim’s recovery process, hoping for a swift return to the field. The absence of Kim will undoubtedly require adjustments in the Braves’ roster strategy as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
