ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss Opening Day after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger, the team announced Sunday.
INF Ha-Seong Kim sustained a hand injury while in Korea and underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. The procedure was performed by Dr. Gary Lourie today in Atlanta, and the expected recovery time is 4-5 months.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 18, 2026
The team said Kim’s expected recovery time is four to five months. The injury reportedly occurred when Kim fell on ice in Korea. At the earliest, he could return in May.
This elevates infielder Mauricio Dubón’s importance considerably. Acquired from Houston in a trade ahead of the non-tender deadline, Dubón was initially expected to serve as a utility player, filling in wherever needed. Now, he’s slated to take over the shortstop role.
Kim, 30, signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves in December. He was claimed off waivers by Atlanta with a month remaining in the season and posted a .253 batting average with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 24 games.
The Braves had a busy winter, bolstering their bullpen and upgrading their depth. Now, the shortstop they deemed worthy of $20 million will miss nearly half the regular season.
The Braves’ pitchers and catchers report to North Port, Florida, on Feb. 10. Their first full-squad workout is Feb. 15. Atlanta opens the regular season March 27 at Truist Park against the Royals.
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