*This content was translated by AI.
Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves), preparing for his return to the major leagues by playing rehab games in Triple-A of the minor leagues, extended his hitting streak to five consecutive games, significantly boosting his batting form.
Playing rehab games with Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate, Kim Ha-seong started at second base and shortstop against the Iowa Cubs (a Chicago Cubs affiliate) in a home game held on the 23rd (Korea time) at Gwinnett Field in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He recorded one hit, one RBI, and one walk in four at-bats.
As a result, Kim Ha-seong's Triple-A season batting average dipped slightly from 0.265 to 0.263 after his five-game hitting streak. Notably, since being sent down to the minor leagues, he has regained his game sharpness and is maintaining a batting average of 0.280 (7 hits in 25 at-bats) across all levels including the rookie league, proving that his return to the major leagues is imminent.
Kim Ha-seong delivered an early run for his team from his first at-bat. In the bottom of the first inning with no outs and a runner on third base, he stepped up to the plate and hit a sharp grounder to the shortstop's right side. Although Kim was out, Ronald Acuña Jr., who was on third base, scored to record an RBI. The ball speed reached 96.9 mph (approximately 156 km/h).
In his second at-bat, his excellent plate discipline shone through. With two outs and runners on first and third in the bottom of the second inning, he drew a straight fastball walk to load the bases. He later advanced to third base when Carlos Santana followed with an RBI single, putting pressure on the opposing pitcher's mound.
Regardless of the outcome, the quality of his contact was excellent. In his third at-bat in the bottom of the fourth inning, he pulled a 84.8 mph sweeper from the opposing pitcher and hit it hard with a ball speed of 97.2 mph (approximately 156 km), but unfortunately, it went straight toward the shortstop. In the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs and a runner on second base, he worked a full nine-pitch at-bat before being retired by a fly ball to the first baseman.
Finally, his hit came in his last at-bat. With his team leading 7-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning, two outs, and no runners on base, Kim Ha-seong faced reliever Ethan Roberts. After falling behind 2 balls and 2 strikes, he drove a 83.5 mph sweeper on the fifth pitch into the gap for a clean hit to center-left field, completing his five-game consecutive hit streak.
His persistent at-bats in the batter's box and sharp contact speeds exceeding 95 mph demonstrate that Kim Ha-seong's physical condition and batting form have definitely returned to normal. Although he did not participate in spring training, his return to Atlanta is expected to come sooner as he regains a stable performance level.
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*This content was translated by AI.
