Kim Ha-sung’s journey back to Major League Baseball after a serious finger injury has been nothing short of remarkable, and the Atlanta Braves faithful had plenty to cheer about as he made his much-anticipated return against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park. The 2026 season had not been easy for Kim, who suffered a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger earlier in the year after slipping on an icy road in Korea. The injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation, forcing him to miss the start of the season. But on May 13, 2026, Kim was back in the Braves’ lineup, ready to make an impact both at the plate and in the field.
Kim Ha-sung, who signed a one-year, $20 million contract with Atlanta in December 2025, was slotted as the 8th batter and shortstop for his return game. The anticipation was palpable at Truist Park as fans waited to see if the Korean infielder could recapture the form that made him such a coveted free agent. Kim didn’t disappoint, showing flashes of his celebrated defensive prowess and a patient approach at the plate, even if the hits didn’t come immediately.
In his first game back on May 13, Kim went 0-for-3 but drew a walk, reaching base once. While his bat was quiet, his glove spoke volumes. The highlight came in the top of the fourth inning: with the score tied 1-1, the Cubs loaded the bases with one out. Chicago’s Moises Ballesteros hit a sharp grounder toward second, and Kim, moving quickly to his right, fielded the ball cleanly and flipped it to the second baseman for a crucial out. The play prevented a potential two-run single, limiting the damage to just one run and keeping Atlanta in the game. As described by local media, "If the ball had slipped through the infield, Atlanta could have surrendered two runs, but Kim’s play minimized the Cubs’ scoring to just one."
At the plate, Kim’s first at-bat in the bottom of the third inning ended with a hard-hit ground ball, but Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner made a stellar play to rob him of a hit. In his second trip to the plate, Kim flew out to third base. Then, in the bottom of the sixth, with two outs and a runner on first, he worked a five-pitch walk against Chicago’s Ryan Rolison, showing the kind of plate discipline that Braves fans have come to expect. Unfortunately, the next batter grounded out, ending the inning. Kim’s final at-bat in the eighth inning resulted in a grounder to second, closing his night at 0-for-3 but with a walk and a defensive gem to his name.
Atlanta’s offense did enough to support their pitching staff, and the Braves secured a 5-2 victory over the Cubs, marking their third consecutive win and improving their season record to 29-13. With this victory, Atlanta maintained the best winning percentage in Major League Baseball and held onto first place in the National League East division, boasting a .690 winning percentage. The team’s momentum was evident, and Kim’s return only added to the optimism swirling around the clubhouse.
Kim’s road back to the majors wasn’t a short one. After his surgery, he spent time in the minors to regain his game form, playing in nine minor league games from April 29 before being activated for the big league roster. His manager and teammates lauded his work ethic and commitment to returning at full strength. The Braves’ coaching staff had been careful not to rush him, knowing how vital his glove and leadership could be down the stretch.
But Kim’s story didn’t end with his first game back. On May 14, in the second game of the series against the Cubs, Kim was moved up to the seventh spot in the batting order and continued to make his presence felt. This time, he broke through at the plate, recording his first hit since returning to the majors. Facing Cubs’ starter Shota Imanaga, Kim battled through several tough pitches before finally connecting for a single in the eighth inning. The hit was a pivotal moment in the game, as it helped spark a rally that led to a crucial run for Atlanta. Kim later attempted to score from second on a single but was tagged out at home—still, his aggressive baserunning drew cheers from the Atlanta faithful.
Defensively, Kim continued to shine. He made a series of smooth plays, including a grounder in the third inning that kept the Cubs off the board and a sharp backhanded stop in the fourth that showcased his range and arm strength. In the eighth, with the game still tight, Kim calmly fielded a grounder from Hoerner and threw to first for the out, helping preserve Atlanta’s slim lead. He even covered second base on a stolen base attempt, applying a quick tag to keep the Cubs from building momentum. In the ninth, with the Braves clinging to a 4-1 lead, Kim was involved in a double play that all but sealed the victory, and he caught the final out on a pop fly to end the game.
Atlanta’s 4-1 win on May 14 marked their fourth straight victory and showcased the team’s balance of pitching, timely hitting, and airtight defense. Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ starter, pitched well—seven innings, five hits, two runs, and six strikeouts—but the Braves’ offense did just enough. The win pushed Atlanta’s season record to at least 30 wins, further solidifying their status as one of the league’s elite teams.
Kim Ha-sung’s successful return has given Atlanta a boost at a crucial point in the season. His combination of steady defense, smart baserunning, and professional at-bats fits perfectly into the Braves’ lineup, and his journey from injury to impact player has inspired both teammates and fans. As the Braves continue their push for another postseason run, all eyes will be on Kim to see if he can keep delivering in the clutch.
With Kim Ha-sung back in action and Atlanta riding a winning streak, the energy at Truist Park is electric. The Braves are showing why they’re considered one of the favorites in the National League, and Kim’s resilience is proving to be a key ingredient in their recipe for success. The season is far from over, but Atlanta’s outlook has never looked brighter with Kim anchoring the infield once again.