Braves' Ha-Seong Kim nears return from finger injury

The veteran infielder is scheduled for a simulated game this week as he continues his recovery.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player swinging a bat from multiple angles, the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of a baseball player's swing captures the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Braves infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who underwent surgery in January to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger, is nearing a return to game action. Kim has been taking live batting practice and is scheduled to play in a simulated game on Thursday, April 23. If his recovery continues on track, he could begin a rehab assignment within the next week or two, potentially returning to the Braves' lineup by mid to late May.

Why it matters

Kim's return will be a boost for the Braves, who have been relying on Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo at shortstop in his absence. Known for his defensive skills, Kim also showed he can contribute at the plate last season, batting .253 with 3 home runs and 12 RBIs in 24 games between the Braves and Rays.

The details

Kim sustained the finger injury during the offseason while at home in South Korea. He underwent surgery in mid-January and was given a 4-5 month recovery timeline. The Braves signed Kim to a one-year, $20 million contract in the offseason to be their starting shortstop this season.

  • Kim underwent surgery in mid-January 2026.
  • Kim is scheduled for a simulated game on April 23, 2026.
  • Kim could begin a rehab assignment within the next week or two, potentially returning to the Braves' lineup by mid to late May 2026.

The players

Ha-Seong Kim

A 30-year-old infielder who signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Atlanta Braves in the offseason after playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025.

Mauricio Dubon

An infielder who has been primarily playing shortstop for the Braves in Kim's absence.

Jorge Mateo

An infielder who has made some sporadic appearances at shortstop for the Braves while Kim has been injured.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Ha-Seong Kim has been taking live BP, and he's scheduled to play in a sim game on Thursday. He could be ready to begin a rehab assignment within the next week or two.'”

— Mark Bowman, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

If Kim's recovery continues on schedule, he could begin a rehab assignment within the next week or two and potentially return to the Braves' lineup by mid to late May.

The takeaway

Kim's impending return from injury is a positive development for the Braves, who have been relying on other infielders to fill in at shortstop during his absence. His defensive skills and ability to contribute at the plate should provide a boost to the Braves' lineup once he is fully healthy and back in action.