Kim Ha-seong Returns to Starting Lineup After 40 Days but Goes Hitless in 2 At-Bats... Season Batting Average .067

Atlanta Braves' Kim Ha-seong returned to the Major League Baseball starting lineup after 40 days, but was unable to shake off his batting slump and was replaced after just two at-bats, leaving disappointment.

Making his first start since the June 29 game against the San Francisco Giants, Kim earned a hard-fought opportunity following injury, rehabilitation, and time on the bench, but was held hitless, dropping his season batting average to .067. Kim's last hit dates back to the June 4 game against Toronto.

Game Highlights

On the 8th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong started as the ninth hitter and shortstop in a road game against the New York Yankees of the 2026 MLB season at Yankee Stadium in New York, USA.

In the early innings, the game remained scoreless behind strong performances from both starting pitchers. Kim faced his first at-bat in the top of the second inning with two outs and a runner on second. After a full-count battle against opposing starter Max Fried, he made contact with a 95.2 mph sinker on the sixth pitch, but the ball stayed in the infield, resulting in a popup to the shortstop.

In his second at-bat in the top of the fifth inning, Kim was caught looking at an 94.8 mph four-seam fastball on the eighth pitch in a 2-2 count, striking out. Later, with Atlanta leading 1-0 in the top of the eighth, Kim was replaced by pinch-hitter Dominic Smith. Smith struck out and failed to add an insurance run.

Injury History and Rehabilitation Process

In January of this year, Kim suffered a torn ligament in his right middle finger after slipping on an icy surface during personal training in South Korea and underwent surgery. After rehabilitation, he prepared for his return by playing for Triple-A Gwinnett in early May, but his batting struggles continued even after his return to the majors.

In his first return, he recorded 5 hits in 73 at-bats (a .068 batting average) over 27 games, and inflammation recurred in his finger, landing him back on the injured list last month. On the 14th, he began a rehab assignment in the Rookie League (FCL), and from the 19th, he was promoted to Gwinnett, where he posted a .219 batting average (14 hits in 64 at-bats) over 18 games. After being activated from the injured list on the 4th, he sat out three consecutive games before finally getting the start on this day.

Starting Job Competition and Future Outlook

During Kim Ha-seong's absence due to injury, rookie Jim Jarvis claimed the starting shortstop role for Atlanta. Unable to push Jarvis aside, Kim missed three straight games before finally getting a starting opportunity, but once again failed to rebound at the plate.

Braves manager Walt Weiss expressed confidence in Jarvis when discussing how to utilize Kim. While acknowledging that internal discussions would take place, Weiss praised Jarvis for showing strong performance, particularly on defense. MLB.com had previously mentioned the possibility of Atlanta trading or releasing Kim when his return was imminent.

Starting Lineups

• Atlanta Braves: Tyler Mahle (Pitcher), Ronald Acuna (Right Field), Drake Baldwin (Designated Hitter), Ozzie Albies (Second Base), Matt Olson (First Base), Duvall Mauricio (Center Field), Lane Thomas (Left Field), Austin Riley (Third Base), Sean Murphy (Catcher), Kim Ha-seong (Shortstop)
• New York Yankees: Trent Grisham (Center Field), Ben Rice (Designated Hitter), Elias Ramos (Left Field), Luis Garcia (First Base), Jazz Chisholm (Second Base), Spencer Jones (Right Field), George Lombard Jr. (Shortstop), Ryan McMahon (Third Base), Austin Wells (Catcher), Max Fried (Pitcher)