*This content was translated by AI.
Atlanta Braves' Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) secured a starting opportunity for the first time in 40 days since mid-June, but adverse weather conditions at the venue caused a game delay.
On the 8th (Korean time), Kim Ha-seong was named as the ninth hitter and shortstop in the starting lineup for the away game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York, USA, as part of the '2026 Major League Baseball (MLB)' season.
This marks Kim Ha-seong's first appearance in a major league starting lineup since June 29 against the San Francisco Giants, a span of 40 days. After returning to the big league roster following rehabilitation games in the minor leagues due to recurring finger pain, he had not received playing opportunities for some time until finally earning this start today.
Today, Atlanta's lineup was arranged as follows: Ronald Acuña Jr. (right fielder), Drey Jameson (designated hitter), Aj Albies (second baseman), Matt Olson (first baseman), Mauricio Dubón (center fielder), Ray Thomas (left fielder), Austin Riley (third baseman), Sean Murphy (catcher), and Kim Ha-seong (shortstop). With the Yankees' starting pitcher being left-hander Max Fried, it is interpreted that Kim Ha-seong will face him as a starter. Kim Ha-seong's career batting average against Fried in the major leagues stands at 0.286 (7 at-bats, 2 hits).
Facing his most difficult period since his major league debut with a batting average of just 0.068 (5 hits in 73 at-bats) across 27 games this season, Kim Ha-seong views this appearance as a crucial opportunity to build momentum for a comeback. He will aim to record his first hit in 65 days since June 4 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, just before game time, rain began falling around Yankee Stadium, prompting the Yankees organization to announce via its official social media: "Today's game will not start at the scheduled time. We will provide updates as more information becomes available." The game was originally scheduled to begin at 8:05 a.m. local time but is now expected to start at 10:00 a.m.
After a long wait, it remains to be seen whether Kim Ha-seong can overcome the variable of a rain delay and initiate a turnaround in this much-anticipated starting opportunity.
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*This content was translated by AI.
