The Atlanta Braves announced shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will miss four to five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. Kim suffered the injury in Korea before returning to Atlanta for the procedure. The team had just signed him to a one-year, $20 million contract this offseason to fill a major need at shortstop.

Kim's absence creates an immediate hole in the Braves' infield plans. The 30-year-old was expected to be the everyday shortstop after the club claimed him off waivers last September. His recent shoulder surgery limited him to just 54 games in 2025, making his durability a concern even before this finger injury.

With Kim sidelined, utility man Mauricio Dubon likely steps into the starting shortstop role. The Braves acquired Dubon from Houston in November as insurance. Atlanta's front office, led by GM Alex Anthopoulos, will now watch the market for potential replacements, though Kim's long-term deal makes any major move unlikely.