Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have placed versatile infielder Ha-Seong Kim on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 19, due to right shoulder inflammation. Kim sustained the injury during Sunday’s game after diving back into first base on a pickoff attempt, leaving the game in visible pain.
Padres manager Mike Shildt confirmed that while Kim’s MRI results were encouraging, the team decided to exercise caution by keeping him out for at least a week and a half. Shildt noted that the team believes Kim could have returned within 10 days, but they opted for a conservative approach. In Kim’s absence, Tyler Wade will take over at shortstop, and Matthew Batten has been recalled to fill the roster spot.
This marks Kim’s first stint on the injured list since joining the Padres in 2021 on a four-year contract. Known for his durability, Kim appeared in over 150 games in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and despite the setback, he could still reach 140 games this year if his recovery remains on track.
The 28-year-old has been a key contributor to the Padres’ lineup, posting a .233/.330/.370 slash line in 470 plate appearances this season. He has also stolen 22 bases in 27 attempts and has provided above-average defense at shortstop, a position San Diego committed to him full-time in 2024 after using him as a utility infielder in previous seasons.
Kim is set to enter free agency next offseason and is expected to decline his $8 million mutual option in favor of a $2 million buyout. Despite the injury, his strong all-around play this season puts him in line for a lucrative long-term deal when he hits the open market.
Fortunately, the shoulder injury appears to be relatively minor, and the Padres are hopeful Kim will return to the field soon as they look to stay competitive in the postseason race.
