'How could this be' Kim Ha-seong ruled out for the final game of the Boston series... Is it due to '3G' consecutive hitless games, according to another perspective from a U.S. local reporter?

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (31), an infielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB), did not play in today's (29th) game and was completely ruled out. Despite Kim Ha-seong's absence, Atlanta secured a decisive victory.

On the 29th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong was excluded from the starting lineup and completely ruled out in the regular-season away game against the Boston Red Sox held at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Kim Ha-seong's absence comes after just four games since the game against the Washington Nationals on the 24th.

After the end of the 2025 season, Kim Ha-seong exercised his opt-out (contract termination due to exercising free agency rights, etc., during the contract period) and entered the free agent market. He then re-signed with Atlanta for one year at $20 million and remained with the team.

However, in January, he suffered misfortune when he slipped on an icy road and ruptured the tendon in his right middle finger. He eventually underwent surgery and, after a long rehabilitation, began playing in minor league games from the end of April. He was then called up to the big leagues on the 12th and has continued to compete on the big league stage since then.

However, it seems he has struggled to find his offensive instincts, possibly due to the aftermath of his injury. Kim Ha-seong has appeared in 12 games this season, recording a batting average of 0.095 (42 at-bats, 4 hits), 2 RBIs, 4 runs scored, 5 walks, 13 strikeouts, 1 stolen base (0 failed), an on-base percentage of 0.191, a slugging percentage of 0.095, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.286.

Although the sample size is small, it is a performance that inevitably raises concern. In particular, while recording 13 strikeouts, he has not hit any extra-base hits such as doubles, triples, or home runs.

Kim Ha-seong hit consecutive hits in three games: from the game against the Miami Marlins on the 20th, to the game against Miami on the 22nd, and the game against Washington on the 23rd. However, he went hitless in three consecutive games from the Washington game on the 25th, to the Boston game on the 27th, and the previous day's (28th) Boston game. He was ruled out today and promised to return in the future.

In the U.S., voices of criticism against Kim Ha-seong are rising. However, the perspective of the local reporter was slightly different. Mark Bowman, the Atlanta team reporter for the official MLB website MLB.com, stated through his personal social networking service (SNS) the previous day: "I understand that fans are criticizing (Kim Ha-seong) without filter. However, we still need to have patience."

While Kim Ha-seong sat on the bench today, Atlanta showcased its powerful offense and defeated Boston 10-2. With this win, Atlanta completed a three-game series against Boston with two wins and one loss, securing a winning series.

The game took a sharp turn in the bottom of the 6th inning. In the bottom of the 6th, with both teams tied 2-2, Atlanta's offense drew a bases-loaded walk via a hit and three consecutive walks. Taking advantage of the continued opportunities, star hitter Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a grand slam home run over the left-center field wall. The score quickly jumped to 7-2, a five-run lead.

Having essentially secured the lead, Atlanta added a solo home run by Michael Harris II in the bottom of the 7th and a two-run home run by Ozzie Albies in the bottom of the 9th, sealing the 10-2 victory.

In particular, Jorge Mateo, who started at shortstop in place of Kim Ha-seong, stood out. Mateo recorded 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored, including the game-winning hit, making a strong impression. Mateo has posted a batting average of 0.324 and an OPS of 0.841 this season, emerging as a strong competitor for Kim Ha-seong.

With today's win, Atlanta secured its 38th victory (19 losses) of the season and firmly maintained its lead in the National League East. The gap with second-place Philadelphia Phillies (29 wins, 27 losses) has widened to 8.5 games. Atlanta will now begin a three-game away series against the Cincinnati Reds starting on the 30th.

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*This content was translated by AI.