Braves' Shortstop Kim to Miss 4-5 Months with Finger Surgery
The Atlanta Braves have announced that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be out for four to five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The procedure was performed in Atlanta on Sunday, following an injury sustained in Korea.
Kim's absence is a significant setback for the team, who signed him to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason. The Braves had high hopes for Kim, who was expected to return to his productive form from his time with the San Diego Padres. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed his desire for Kim to reach those production levels again, indicating a long-term commitment.
The 30-year-old Kim has a solid career record, with a .242 average, 52 homers, and 217 RBIs across his time with the San Diego Padres (2021-2024), Tampa Bay Rays (2025), and the Braves. However, his season debut was delayed until July 4 due to right shoulder surgery in late 2024. This recent injury and subsequent surgery will further impact his playing time.
The acquisition of Kim was initially seen as a strategic move to address the team's need for a starting shortstop, potentially pushing Mauricio Dubon to a utility role. However, with Kim's extended absence, the Braves may need to re-evaluate their plans and consider alternative strategies to fill the void left by Kim's injury.
