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Braves Keep Ha‑Seong Kim on Roster as Slump Deepens

Post-injury offensive and defensive declines have cost him everyday status, risking prompt roster or trade changes if he does not improve.

Overview

  • Kim tore a tendon in his right middle finger after slipping on ice in January, missed spring training, and was activated from rehab in mid‑May.
  • Since returning he has gone 5-for-56 with no extra-base hits and a sub-.100 batting average while his strikeout rate has risen.
  • His defense has slipped sharply, with a large drop in outs above average and multiple errors in a small sample that erode his previous Gold Glove value.
  • Manager Walt Weiss is treating the shortstop spot day-to-day, splitting time with Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo and giving starts to the batters who are producing.
  • Kim is on a one-year, $20 million deal and the Braves’ strong record reduces immediate pressure to move him, but continued struggles could force a benching or a trade that affects Kim’s market and roster construction.