*This content was translated by AI.
'Awesome Kim' Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) has finally returned to the big leagues after completing his injury recovery and rehabilitation. As a result, a spectacular scene unfolds with four former Kiwoom Heroes players simultaneously active on the Major League Baseball (MLB) stage.
The Atlanta organization announced on the 12th (Korea time) via its official channel that infielder Kim Ha-seong has been activated from the rehabilitation list and removed from the injured list (IL). Kim Ha-seong, who underwent finger ligament surgery due to an unfortunate ice-slip injury during the off-season, is now ready to make his late debut in the 2026 season. To make room for Kim Ha-seong, outfielder Eli White was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list.
With Kim Ha-seong's return, the focus of Korean baseball fans now shifts to the 'Heroes Connection.' Currently, four 'Heroes alumni' are active in the major leagues: Kim Ha-seong leading the way, followed by Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants), Kim Hye-seong (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Song Seong-moon (San Diego Padres), who made a surprising big league debut this season.
Notably, these players have established themselves as key assets for their respective National League (NL) teams, and if a 'Heroes Derby' where they face each other materializes, it is expected to draw significant attention. With the addition of 'eldest brother' Kim Ha-seong to the lineup of San Francisco's star hitter Lee Jung-hoo, Dodgers' infield utility player Kim Hye-seong, and Padres' 'value-for-money legend' Song Seong-moon, the status of the 'Heroes Four' is poised to reach its peak. The first matchup will take place between San Francisco and the Dodgers starting on the 12th.
As of the 12th, Kim Ha-seong's Atlanta leads the NL East Division alone with a record of 28 wins and 13 losses, boasting a winning percentage of 0.683, making them a strong favorite to win the division. Kim Ha-seong is expected to immediately secure the team's starting shortstop position, and his solid defense and base-running instincts are anticipated to boost the team's upward momentum.
Kim Ha-seong has no major league appearance record for the 2026 season yet. He participated in rehabilitation games in the minor leagues. Playing four games in Atlanta's Double-A affiliate, Kim Ha-seong finished with a batting average of 0.333 (9 at-bats, 3 hits) and 4 walks, adjusting his hitting rhythm. In Triple-A, he recorded a batting average of 0.263 (19 at-bats, 5 hits), 2 walks, and 1 RBI in five games. It is interpreted that the focus was more on practical recovery than batting statistics. Atlanta has no game on the 12th and will begin a three-game home series against the Chicago Cubs starting on the 13th.
With Kim Ha-seong having shed his injury, all eyes from baseball fans worldwide are fixed on the depths of Atlanta's shortstop position to see what kind of 'Heroic Era' he will open alongside his Heroes teammates who have fully recovered.
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*This content was translated by AI.
