'How could this be?' Kim Ha-seong disappears from the lineup again. Is this really right? He has only played in just 12 games...

*This content was translated by AI.

Atlanta Braves infielder Kim Ha-seong (31) has once again been excluded from the starting lineup.

On the 30th (Korean time), Atlanta will play an away game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, as part of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season.

For today's game, Atlanta has scheduled Martin Perez to start on the mound. The batting order is set as Ronald Acuña (right fielder), Michael Harris (center fielder), Matt Olson (first baseman), A.J. Albies (second baseman), Dominic Smith (designated hitter), Dansby Swanson (third baseman), Mike Yastrzemski (left fielder), Jorge Mateo (shortstop), and Sandy León (catcher).

Kim Ha-seong's name has once again disappeared from the starting lineup.

Kim Ha-seong recorded consecutive hits in three straight games: from the 20th against the Miami Marlins to the 22nd against Miami, and then on the 23rd against Washington. However, he went hitless in three consecutive games from the 25th against Washington through the 27th and 28th against Boston.

Could this be due to the aftermath of his hitless slump? Kim Ha-seong has been excluded from the starting lineup for three consecutive games, including the 29th against Boston, the 30th against Cincinnati, and today's game.

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.

However, just looking at the number of games played, it can be said that he has not yet received sufficient opportunities since returning from injury. If he hits a few more hits in a short period, his batting average could rise sharply again. Additionally, Kim Ha-seong continues to demonstrate his class with his consistent defensive skills.

In the game against Atlanta, Cincinnati will start Brady Singer. The batting order is set as Blake Dunn (right fielder), Eliécer de la Cruz (shortstop), Sal Stuart (designated hitter), Euvie Suarez (third baseman), Spencer Steer (first baseman), J.J. Bleday (left fielder), Tyler Stephenson (catcher), Matt McLain (second baseman), and T.J. Friedl (center fielder).

Meanwhile, after the 2025 season ended, Kim Ha-seong exercised his opt-out clause (contract termination due to exercising free agency rights mid-contract) and entered the free agent market. He then re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $20 million deal. However, in January, he suffered an unfortunate injury when he slipped on an icy road and ruptured the tendon in his right middle finger. Ultimately, he underwent surgery and, after a long rehabilitation period, began playing in minor league games from the end of April. He was then called up to the major leagues on the 12th and has continued to play on the major league stage ever since.

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*This content was translated by AI.