Ha-Seong Kim: Everything you need to know

Kim has used his time out of the starting lineup to working on his approach at the plate in batting cages, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports. "It's just so difficult when you don't have a spring training and when you've missed a lot of time for consecutive years," Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Saturday. Kim played only 48 games in 2025 and underwent surgery in January on a torn finger tendon on his right hand, and in 50 plate appearances since coming off the IL in mid-May he's slashing just .089/.180/.089. Jorge Mateo is handling starting duties at shortstop for now, but Atlanta is being patient with Kim given his layoff and the fact that he didn't have a spring training. Expect the 30-year-old to make a push to regain the starting job once he's had a chance to fully shake off his rust.

Kim isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati. Kim will grab a seat on the bench for a third consecutive game after going just 4-for-42 (.095) in 12 games since his return from the injured list. Jorge Mateo will start at shortstop for the third game in a row, and he could continue to get extra playing time while Atlanta waits for Kim to get on track after making his season debut a few weeks ago.

Kim is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against Boston. Jorge Mateo will start at shortstop for Atlanta while Kim will head to the bench. After coming off the IL to make his season debut May 11, Kim has struggled to get it going at the plate, as he has gone 4-for-42 (.095 average) with just four runs and two RBI.