Braves’ Ha-Seong Kim gets crucial injury update

Ha-Seong Kim has yet to make his 2026 debut as he’s still working his way back from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. On Saturday, he and the Atlanta Braves received a big update regarding his recovery process.

Reports indicate the 30-year-old infielder has been taking batting practice and is scheduled for a simulated game on Thursday, April 23, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. It sounds like Kim is nearing a rehab assignment.

“Ha-Seong Kim has been taking live BP, and he’s scheduled to play in a sim game on Thursday,” reported Bowman. “He could be ready to begin a rehab assignment within the next week or two.”

Kim sustained the injury during the offseason while at home in South Korea. He underwent surgery in mid-January and was given a four to five-month recovery timeline. If that remains true, then the five-year veteran could be back in action by mid to late May.

Ha-Seong Kim signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves in the offseason to return to Atlanta for the 2026 campaign. Expectations are for Kim to take over as the club’s go-to shortstop whenever he eventually returns. Until then, Mauricio Dubon is mainly playing that position, while Jorge Mateo has made some sporadic appearances at shortstop.

While he’s known for his defensive skills, Kim showed he can be an asset at the plate as well last season with the Braves. In his 24 games with the organization (played 24 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025 as well), Kim recorded 22 hits, three home runs, and 12 RBIs, giving him a .253 ERA and .316 OBP.