Padres supervisor Mike Shildt advised reporters (together with AJ Cassavell of MLB.com) this night that shortstop Ha-Seong Kim’s season is over. The shortstop has been on the IL for over a month as a result of irritation in his shoulder, and Shildt revealed yesterday that Kim would possibly finally require surgical procedure to restore the labrum in his shoulder over the offseason.
It’s an enormous blow for a Padres membership that has leaned closely on the 28-year-old since he loved a breakout season again in 2022. That 12 months, Kim stepped in to switch troubled star Fernando Tatis Jr. at shortstop amid a misplaced season brought on by off-the-field accidents and a PED suspension. He excelled within the function, hitting an above-average .251/.325/.383 (105 wRC+) in 150 video games whereas enjoying robust protection at shortstop. Kim was pushed again to second base by the addition of Xander Bogaerts final 12 months however took yet one more step ahead with the bat whereas enjoying slick protection throughout not solely the keystone but additionally shortstop and third base as wanted.
Final 12 months, Kim slashed .260/.351/.398 with a wRC+ of 110 whereas swiping 38 luggage in 47 makes an attempt. That total bundle was sufficient to earn Kim his first profession Gold Glove award and even some downballot MVP votes. Coming off that robust season and a lackluster season defensively from Bogaerts, the Padres elected to change the 2 coming into this 12 months to return Kim to shortstop. That seemingly set him up for what could possibly be his third straight profession 12 months, however issues didn’t play out fairly that approach because the infielder took a slight step again on the plate. In 121 video games for the Padres this 12 months, Kim posted a wRC+ of 101 whereas stealing 22 bases in 27 makes an attempt. That down season has been additional exacerbated by his shoulder woes, which have stored him from collaborating within the stretch run and now will take away him from San Diego’s postseason plans fully.
Extra to come back…
