ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss four to five months after undergoing surgery Sunday to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger.
The Braves said Kim was injured in his native South Korea, and that the operation was performed in Atlanta by Dr. Gary Lourie. A recovery period of up to five months could keep Kim out until late June.
Sunday’s announcement from the team came about one month after Kim agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract with Atlanta. The signing was expected to address a major offseason need, and the loss of Kim for at least part of the season leaves the team again needing to recast its plan for a starting shortstop.
With Kim facing a lengthy rehabilitation, the Braves may have to rely on Mauricio Dubón, acquired from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen in an exchange of infielders on Nov. 19, at shortstop. With a healthy Kim, Dubón could have served a utility role.
The 30-year-old Kim hit .234 with five home runs and 17 RBIs last season for the Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta, which missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. The Braves claimed him off waivers on Sept. 1.