*This content was translated by AI.
Just as he shook off his injuries, he is soaring. Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) is steadily making his way toward a big league call-up.
Kim Ha-seong, who plays for the Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate, started at second base and shortstop in a Triple-A away game against the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles' affiliate) at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, on the 7th (Korean time), recording 1 hit and 1 RBI in 4 at-bats.
In the top of the first inning with one out, he was retired on a grounder to third base, and in the top of the third with one out and a runner on first, Kim Ha-seong struck out on a swing-and-miss. He then hit a hit in the fifth inning.
Facing the opposing second pitcher, Yaki Rivera, in the top of the fifth with one out and a runner on second while the team trailed 2-4, Kim Ha-seong targeted a low slider on the inside part of the plate on the fourth pitch and produced a one-run single to left field.
With two outs in the top of the seventh, he was retired on a grounder to third base, but the team scored three runs in the ninth inning to secure an 8-6 comeback victory.
A quick return is crucial for Kim Ha-seong. After undergoing surgery due to injuries in his fourth season with the San Diego Padres, Kim Ha-seong still entered the free agent (FA) market but signed a two-year, maximum $31 million (approximately 45 billion won) deal amid concerns over lingering effects from his injuries.
He had hoped for a blockbuster contract through a second FA opportunity, but his return came too late. Kim Ha-seong, who returned in July, struggled with poor performance until he moved to Atlanta and made a comeback.
Although there was little interest in Kim Ha-seong, who re-entered the FA market after exercising his opt-out, Atlanta recognized his true value and signed him to a one-year, $20 million (approximately 29 billion won) contract. The intention was to aim for a third FA opportunity.
He had planned to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and showcase his skills ahead of the season, but an unexpected injury forced him to bow his head once again. While continuing individual training in Korea, he slipped on an icy road in January, injuring his right middle finger and undergoing surgery for a torn tendon in that finger.
Kim Ha-seong joined the Columbus Clingstones, Atlanta's Double-A affiliate, starting from the 30th of last month. In four games, he posted a .333 batting average (9 at-bats, 3 hits), 3 runs scored, 1 stolen base, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.871. After being promoted to Triple-A, he delivered strong performances in two consecutive games.
Of course, Atlanta has no rush. Currently, shortstops and second basemen are performing exceptionally well, and the team is leading the National League East Division by an overwhelming margin.
Nevertheless, he is clearly a necessary resource. If he continues his current performance, a call-up is expected to come soon.
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*This content was translated by AI.
