Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss between four to five months as he recovers from surgery on his right middle finger, the team announced. The procedure was conducted to repair a torn tendon, an injury that will likely keep Kim out for a significant portion of the upcoming season.
The injury and subsequent surgery mark a setback for both Kim and the Braves as they prepare for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. The team did not provide specific details about how or when the injury occurred, nor was a projected return date given beyond the expected timeframe.
Kim, known for his defensive reliability and versatility, joined the Braves after previously playing for the San Diego Padres. In his most recent season, Kim contributed both in the field and at the plate, showing improvement in offensive metrics while continuing to excel defensively. His ability to cover multiple infield positions added valuable depth to the Braves’ roster.
With Kim sidelined, the Braves may look to fill the vacancy at shortstop with internal options during spring training or consider external acquisitions. The club has a number of utility players and prospects who could compete for the role, but replacing Kim’s defensive consistency and range will be a challenge.
The Braves will be monitoring Kim’s rehabilitation process closely in hopes of his return during the later stages of the regular season. Medical staff indicated that recovery timelines of four to five months are standard for this type of tendon repair surgery, though full recovery and return to pre-injury performance levels can vary between players.
Kim’s absence is the first major injury the Braves have reported leading into the new season. Atlanta will provide updates as he progresses through rehabilitation. In the meantime, the club continues preparations for spring training with an eye on maintaining strength both offensively and defensively across the infield.
The 28-year-old infielder’s recovery will be an important storyline to follow as the season unfolds.
