Atlanta Braves Lose Starting Shortstop for 2026 Opening Day
The Atlanta Braves are looking to change their outlook after a brutal 2025 season as they missed the playoffs by going 76-86. However, they received some tough news regarding the starting shortstop of their team on Sunday. Let’s take a closer look at what happened and what it means for the Atlanta Braves going into the 2026 season.
Atlanta Braves Shortstop Injured in Korea
The Atlanta Braves received some tough news on Sunday afternoon as it was announced that starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss the beginning of the season with an injury. The Braves officially announced the injury and his surgery to repair it along with a timeline for recovery.
“INF Ha-Seong Kim sustained a hand injury while in Korea and underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Gary Lourie today in Atlanta, and the expected recovery time is 4-5 months.”
Kim split time last season between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Atlanta Braves, before re-signing with the team this offseason. He appeared in 48 total games and had a .649 OPS with five home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, and six stolen bases on eight attempts. With this injury, expect to see new member of the team this offseason Mauricio Dubon play shortstop until Kim can return to the lineup.
Kim won the 2023 Gold Glove as the utility player as a member of the San Diego Padres. He primarily plays shortstop, but now it will be interesting to see when he is able to return to the team and if he can figure out a way to get back to his 2023 form where he finished 14th in the NL MVP voting.
