Korean Major League Baseball star Kim Ha-seong (31), working his way back from injury, recorded his first RBI in a minor league rehab game, accelerating his recovery and showing signs of regaining his hitting form.
By collecting both a hit and an RBI, the infielder is steadily sharpening his game instincts.
Kim, currently on a rehab assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves), started as the second batter and shortstop in a road game against the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles affiliate) at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 7 (KST). He finished the game 1-for-4 with one RBI.
He was retired in his first at-bat. With one out and no one on in the top of the first inning, Kim faced starting pitcher Cameron Weston and grounded out to third base on a 77.3 mph (124.4 km/h) sweeper, the fourth pitch of the at-bat.
In the top of the third inning, with a runner on first and no outs, Kim struck out swinging. He was fooled by Weston’s splitter, going down on a swinging third strike.
After a quiet start, Kim delivered in his third trip to the plate.
With Gwinnett trailing 2-4 in the top of the fifth, one out and a runner on second, he lined a left fielder’s error allowed Kim to advance to second base.
However, he was stranded at second as the following batters failed to drive him home.
In his final at-bat in the top of the eighth, Kim faced left-hander Nick Lackney and grounded out to third base on a 91.9 mph (147.9 km/h) sinker. He was then replaced by Aaron McKenna before the bottom of the eighth, ending his day.
The Stripers rallied to win 8-6 in the ninth inning after Kim had been replaced.
Kim suffered a right middle finger tendon injury in January during the offseason while staying in South Korea, after slipping on an icy road. Recovery was initially expected to take four to five months, and the injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) South Korean national team in March.
During the final season of his contract with the San Diego Padres in 2024, Kim also had surgery for a shoulder injury late in the season, disrupting his career momentum.
In January 2025, he signed a 1+1-year deal worth up to $31 million (approximately 461 billion KRW) with the Tampa Bay Rays, essentially embarking on a second chance to rebuild his value.
However, his return did not go as hoped. Nagging minor injuries slowed his performance recovery, and he was eventually claimed off waivers mid-season and moved to Atlanta.
After a brief improvement following the trade, his overall season numbers were modest: a .234 batting average (40 hits in 171 at-bats), five home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .649 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage)—far from expectations.
Kim chose to challenge himself once again to boost his long-term career value, essentially making a third attempt at free agency with the aim of landing a bigger contract.
Before this season, he signed a one-year, $20 million (approximately 303 billion KRW) deal with Atlanta, raising hopes, but an injury sidelined him early in the season, leaving fans disappointed.
Nevertheless, after surgery, Kim showed a faster-than-expected recovery. He resumed batting practice with tee drills in late March and has been displaying solid performance in recent rehab games, signaling a smooth comeback process.
After posting a .333 batting average (3 hits in 9 at-bats) with three runs, one stolen base, and an .871 OPS in four games with Double-A Columbus Clingstones, Kim has now recorded consecutive hits in Triple-A, with a .375 average (3 hits in 8 at-bats), one RBI, one run scored, and a .750 OPS over two games.
With consistent game action and improving results—including his first RBI and a hitting streak—Kim has sent a clear signal that his return is imminent. Given his accelerated recovery, attention is turning to the possibility of a May comeback to the Major Leagues.