Braves’ Ha-Seong Kim takes big step toward injury return

For the last two years, it seems like Atlanta Braves fans have been echoing the words “Just wait until we get healthy.” Well, that has yet to happen, and who knows if it ever will? A large chunk of the pitching staff is on the injured list and key position players are also sidelined, and yet, the ballclub owns the best record in all of baseball. Lady Luck, be dammed. To make matters even better, more help is ostensibly on the way. Ha-Seong Kim’s season debut could be approaching.

The South Korean infielder, who underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger back in January, will begin a rehab assignment with the Double-A Columbus Clingstones, per 92.9 The Game’s Grant McAuley. Atlanta claimed Kim off waivers last September and boldly re-signed him to a one-year, 20 million contract in the offseason. He will shake off the rust and try to provide meaningful contributions to this Walt Weiss-managed squad.

Kim showed flashes of becoming a potential All-Star early in his MLB career, but he has been an offensively substandard and injury-prone ballplayer for the last couple of years. Nevertheless, the 2023 Gold Glove Award winner can still add crucial defensive value and crafty base-running to Atlanta.

The 20-9 Braves are already flourishing — lead MLB with a 3.13 ERA and rank second with a .793 OPS — but they can become a more complete team with a healthy Ha-Seong Kim. The 30-year-old right-handed hitter aims to conquer his ongoing injury battle, beginning this week.

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