Kim debuts at SS for Braves in loss to Cubs

  • ESPN News Services

Sep 2, 2025, 07:26 PM ET

CHICAGO — Ha-Seong Kim joined the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday and started at shortstop in his first game with his new team.

Kim, 29, was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. He was in the sixth spot in the lineup as Atlanta lost 4-3 in the second game of a three-game set at the Chicago Cubs.

Kim went 2-for-4 in his first game.

“He’s going to play pretty much every day,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s going to play shortstop.”

The Braves also brought up left-hander Hayden Harris from Triple-A Gwinnett and placed outfielder Jurickson Profar on the paternity list. Right-hander Wander Suero was designated for assignment.

Kim, who also can play second base and third, had been on the injured list with lower back inflammation since Aug. 21. He had been limited to 24 games this year, batting .214 with two homers and five RBIs.

Kim signed a $29 million, two-year contract with Tampa Bay in February that included a $16 million player option for next year.

Kim made his big league debut with the San Diego Padres in 2021. He hit .242 with 47 homers, 200 RBIs and 78 stolen bases in 540 games over four seasons with the Padres.

“Good ballplayer,” Snitker said. “I think that’s a good acquisition. Shortstops are hard to come by, and to get an established one like this is pretty good.”

Before Tuesday’s game, Kim told reporters through an interpreter that his back feels better.

“I’m obviously excited to play alongside a talented group of players,” Kim said. “I’m obviously very excited to finish the season on a high note, in a healthy way.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related Posts

🚨 BOMBSHELL: AARON JUDGE FALLS SHORT AGAIN IN THE SPOTLIGHT — In a moment where New York Yankees fans were holding their breath, Aaron Judge’s performance was nothing short of heartbreaking. Once again, he couldn’t deliver when it mattered most, leaving supporters in disbelief and questioning his ability to rise in the biggest moments. With the stakes higher than ever, will Judge ever shake off this crushing disappointment, or is this the start of something even more worrying for the Yankees’ season? 👀👇👇

Under the bright lights and roaring crowd at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Team Venezuela toppled Team USA to win the 2026 World Baseball Classic. While the Venezuelans…

🚨 SPRING TRAINING BUZZ: A $23 million Braves outfielder is turning heads early in camp. With a .772 OPS and growing confidence, he’s starting to look like a key piece for Atlanta this season 👀

Mike Yastrzemski Emerging as Key Piece for Atlanta Braves After Strong Spring Training The Atlanta Braves may have entered Spring Training with uncertainty in their outfield, but…

🚨 SHOCKING CUBS CROSSOVER: CRAIG COUNSELL CHANNELS JOE MAZZULLA’S RUTHLESS MINDSET — In a bold move that’s leaving Chicago buzzing, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has adopted a no-holds-barred strategy inspired by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s ruthless, championship-driven approach. Fans and analysts are already debating this unorthodox tactic, with some predicting it could light a fire under the Cubs’ World Series hopes. Is this the game-changing move of 2026, or a gamble that might backfire? The stakes have never been higher 👀👇👇

When the 2026 season begins, Craig Counsell will be entering his third year as manager of the Chicago Cubs. While he managed to take the franchise to…

🚨 FLASH NEWS: RONALD ACUÑA JR. SHARES POWERFUL POST-WBC MESSAGE — After an unforgettable World Baseball Classic win with Venezuela, Ronald Acuña Jr. opens up about his deep pride for his homeland while reaffirming his strong connection to the Atlanta Braves. Fans are moved by his emotional words, as the star player highlights the significance of both his Venezuelan roots and his commitment to the Braves. This heartfelt message is turning heads and igniting conversations everywhere 👀👇👇

Ronald Acuña Jr. Sends a Powerful Message to the Atlanta Braves Through World Baseball Classic Performance The roar of the crowd had barely faded when Ronald Acuña…

SHOCKING CUBS CROSSOVER: Craig Counsell Channels Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla’s Ruthless Mindset – The Unorthodox Strategy Borrowing From Boston’s Championship Blueprint That’s Already Igniting World Series Buzz in Chicago and Leaving Fans Debating the Boldest Managerial Move of 2026!

When the 2026 season begins, Craig Counsell will be entering his third year as manager of the Chicago Cubs. While he managed to take the franchise to…

Astros Stun Fans With Unexpected Rotation Struggle in Spring Stats

IMAGE: Imagn Images As the offseason kicked off, the Houston Astros faced a pressing question: Who would step up as the No. 2 starter behind Hunter Brown…