The Atlanta Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim this winter to bring back a familiar face at shortstop. The move was a significant one, especially with Kim being a Scott Boras client. However, Kim suffered an injury during the offseason in Korea, causing him to miss the first couple of months of the season.
“Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to be sidelined four to five months after having surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger, the team said. The Braves said Kim suffered the injury in Korea and had the procedure Sunday in Atlanta. Kim’s return to Atlanta on a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason addressed a major priority for the club,” ESPN wrote.
With May approaching, reports indicate Kim is ramping up toward a return.
“Prior to tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that injured shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is likely to participate in a simulated game on Thursday and has been taking batting practice. He is recovering from a broken wrist suffered after falling on ice prior to Spring Training,” Battery Power’s DJourn wrote.
With Kim nearing a return, Atlanta will have to make a roster move. One player who could be on the short end of the stick is catcher Jonah Heim.
“So, what do you do when Kim returns? The shortstop is scheduled to play a sim game on Thursday and he could begin his Minor League rehab assignment next week. Let’s just project a mid-May return for now. As long as Murphy and Baldwin are healthy at that point, I think Heim would be the most logical odd man out when Kim is ready to be activated. But you have to at least evaluate some other options,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman wrote.
The Braves have solid depth on their bench this season, but it would be difficult to justify carrying three catchers. Heim, a Gold Glove winner and All-Star with the Texas Rangers in 2023, has been a reliable option.
Heim has earned a little over $18 million in his career, but the Braves were able to sign him to a relatively small deal. He has served as a quality backup to Drake Baldwin, but his time in Atlanta could be coming to an end.
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