Braves' $20M Gold Glove winner reveals return timeline after injury

Atlanta shortstop Ha-Seong Kim expects to return in early May after undergoing surgery on torn finger tendon.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:03pm

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Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who signed a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason, is expected to miss 4-5 months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. Kim suffered the injury in Korea during the offseason but says his condition has improved after two months of rehab and he's aiming to return as soon as possible, hopefully around early May.

Why it matters

Kim's return is crucial for the Braves, who addressed a major offseason priority by re-signing the Gold Glove-caliber shortstop. While Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo will likely split time at shortstop in Kim's absence, the Braves will need Kim's presence in the lineup if they want to return to the playoffs.

The details

Kim suffered the finger injury after slipping on an icy street in Korea during the offseason. He underwent surgery on the torn tendon in his right middle finger in Atlanta in January. The Braves said Kim is expected to be sidelined for 4-5 months as he recovers from the procedure.

  • Kim suffered the injury in January while back home in Korea.
  • Kim underwent surgery on the torn tendon on January 15, 2026.
  • Kim is expected to return to the Braves' lineup in early May 2026.

The players

Ha-Seong Kim

A Gold Glove-winning shortstop who signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Braves this offseason.

Mauricio Dubón

An infielder who will likely split time at shortstop with Jorge Mateo while Kim is sidelined.

Jorge Mateo

An infielder who will likely split time at shortstop with Mauricio Dubón while Kim is sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ha-Seong Kim (Eric Yu)

What’s next

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