'How could this be?' Kim Ha-seong has never faced such a situation since joining the MLB — yet he sits out again for no apparent reason. 'The team secures three consecutive wins'

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ha-seong (31), who has been active with the Atlanta Braves, was once again excluded from the starting lineup and sat out. Although Atlanta succeeded in winning three consecutive games, a red light has been lit on Kim Ha-seong's competition for the starting position.

On the 8th (Korean time), Atlanta secured a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in a regular-season home game at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

Kim Ha-seong started the game from the bench today and never stepped onto the field. There was no specific injury. Jorge Mateo, who has emerged as a position competitor for Kim Ha-seong, started at shortstop, recording 0 hits in 2 at-bats, 1 walk, and 1 run scored.

After the 2025 season concluded, Kim Ha-seong exercised his opt-out clause (contract termination due to exercising free agency rights mid-contract, etc.) and entered the free agent market. He then re-signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $20 million deal.

However, in January, he suffered misfortune when he slipped on an icy road and ruptured the tendon in his right middle finger. After undergoing surgery, he completed a long rehabilitation process and began playing in minor league games from late April. He was then called up to the major leagues on the 12th of last month but has struggled to secure playing opportunities.

This season, Kim Ha-seong has appeared in 15 games, recording a batting average of 0.096 (52 at-bats, 5 hits), 3 RBIs, 4 runs scored, 5 walks, 14 strikeouts, 1 stolen base (0 caught stealing), an on-base percentage of 0.175, a slugging percentage of 0.096, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.271. He has yet to hit a home run.

Kim Ha-seong had a rare starting opportunity in the game against Pittsburgh at the same venue the previous day (7th). It was his first start in three games. Playing as the ninth hitter and shortstop, he unfortunately remained hitless in 3 at-bats. Just one day later, he was excluded from the starting lineup and sat out.

In fact, recent strong performances by Mateo and Mauricio have likely impacted Kim Ha-seong's playing opportunities. Given his past stellar performances as a starter with the San Diego Padres, this situation is hard to believe.

Meanwhile, despite Kim Ha-seong's absence, Atlanta secured a thrilling comeback victory. Trailing 0-2 through the sixth inning, Atlanta seized a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity in the bottom of the seventh inning following an opponent's error and consecutive walks by Yastrzemski and Mateo. Michael Harris II, who entered as a pinch hitter, then hit a three-run, two-out double, instantly flipping the score to 3-2. Atlanta's bullpen then shut the door without allowing any runs, ultimately holding on to a one-run lead.

With this win, Atlanta extended its winning streak to three games, improving its season record to 45 wins and 21 losses (winning percentage 0.682), maintaining first place in the National League East and first overall in the MLB in winning percentage.

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*This content was translated by AI.