.jpg)
2 hours ago
3
The Atlanta Braves are just a week away from Opening Day in what is shaping up to be an exciting season. However, the team has already dealt with some injury concerns. It all started when Ha-Seong Kim was injured in January.
“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.
Kim has recently returned to the clubhouse during Spring Training. Atlanta will be without its primary shortstop to begin the season, but there is hope he could return around May.
“Kim Says his condition has improved after two months of rehab and he’s aiming to return as soon as possible, hopefully around early May. The injury happened after slipping on an icy street, but he was told there should be no long-term issues if rehab goes well,” Eric Yu posted.
The Braves also went out and traded for Mauricio Dubón, who has had success throughout his career. While he is known as a utility player, there is growing belief that he could push for the starting role—even after Kim returns.
“I think Mauricio Dubón—you guys are going to be screaming for him to be the everyday shortstop by the middle of June,” 680 The Fan’s Matt Chernoff said.
It would be a surprising turn of events if that were to happen, given the contract the Braves gave Kim. He is set to make $20 million in his lone guaranteed season in Atlanta, and that investment would be difficult to justify if he isn’t producing on the field.
The Braves are optimistic that Kim can return to form and build on the success he showed late last season. If not, they at least have a solid fallback option in Dubón, which could prove valuable as the season unfolds.
More MLB news:
English (US)