▲ Kim Ha-seong returns to the big leagues after 38 days
Kim Ha-seong of the Atlanta Braves showed a disappointing performance in his return to the big league stage after 38 days.
Kim started as the 9th-batter shortstop in an away game against the New York Yankees in the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) held at Yankee Stadium in New York today, recording no hits in two at-bats with one strikeout.
His season batting average dropped further from .068 to .067 (5 hits in 75 at-bats).
In the top of the 2nd inning with two outs and a runner on first in a scoreless tie, Kim was retired on an infield popup to shortstop against Yankees left-handed starting pitcher Max Fried.
In his second plate appearance in the top of the 5th inning, he went down looking on strikes.
Kim's night ended early when he was substituted for pinch hitter Dominic Smith in the top of the 8th inning with his team leading 1 to 0.
Kim, who becomes a free agent (FA) after the conclusion of this season, is enduring a frustrating year.
After slipping on icy ground in January of this year and tearing a tendon in his right middle finger, he did not return until mid-May, and continued to struggle due to the aftermath of failing to properly complete winter training.
After entering as a pinch runner in a home game against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 1st, he was placed on the injured list (IL) due to finger inflammation.
Kim was widely expected to be traded to another team or released around the recent trade deadline, but he managed to survive, rejoined the MLB roster, and made his big league return today.
Atlanta, the leader of the National League East, lost 3 to 2 in a 10th-inning extra-inning tiebreaker, ending their eight-game winning streak.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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