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Braves Give Ha‑Seong Kim a Short Rest and Put Him Back in the Lineup

The club is managing Kim’s slow start as a recovery and performance concern tied to a preseason hand injury while relying on roster depth instead of making immediate roster moves.

Overview

  • The Braves sat Kim for a game as a planned rest/benching and then returned him to the starting lineup for the series finale against Miami.
  • Kim has struggled at the plate in limited action, going 2-for-23 in his first seven games after returning from a rehab stint tied to a preseason hand injury.
  • Mauricio Dubon filled in at shortstop during Kim’s benching, highlighting an internal competition for reps and Atlanta’s infield depth.
  • Atlanta’s strong overall play and lineup options, plus a one-year $20 million contract for Kim, have reduced immediate pressure to change the roster.
  • The team will continue short-term lineup management to evaluate Kim’s bat and defense, and his role could shift if the slump persists while other players, including Chadwick Tromp, receive opportunities.