Braves Roster Shake-Up
Atlanta Braves Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim from Injured List, Designate Jorge Mateo
Anonymous
The Atlanta Braves reinstated shortstop Ha-Seong Kim from the 10-day injured list and designated Jorge Mateo for assignment, according to WDAM. Kim had been sidelined since July 5 with right finger inflammation. His return ends weeks of uncertainty about whether the team would bring him back at all.
GM Alex Anthopoulos put those concerns to rest directly. He said there was never any discussion about not bringing Kim back. The move came as soon as Kim's rehabilitation assignment ended, triggering a 48-hour window for the team to act.
Kim's Finger Injury Kept Him Out Six Weeks
Kim went on the injured list on July 5 with inflammation in his right finger. The 10-day IL stint stretched much longer as he worked through a rehabilitation assignment before returning. WSMV reported the Braves had 48 hours after the rehab stint ended to decide his fate — release, trade, or reinstate him.
The team chose to reinstate him without hesitation. Anthopoulos made clear the door was never closed on Kim's return. The quick decision signals the Braves view Kim as a key part of their roster down the stretch.
Mateo Filled the Gap, Now Faces Uncertain Future
Jorge Mateo stepped in as depth while Kim was hurt. He appeared in 65 games for Atlanta this season, posting a .665 OPS, according to WISTV. That production was enough to keep the roster functioning but not enough to hold off Kim's return.
Being designated for assignment means Mateo must clear waivers within 10 days. If no team claims him, he can be sent to the minors or released outright. It is a tough outcome for a player who gave the Braves steady depth during a key stretch.
Braves Signal Kim Remains Part of Their Plans
The speed of the reinstatement sends a clear message. Atlanta did not shop Kim or explore trades. WTOK noted that Anthopoulos shut down any speculation, saying Kim's return was never in doubt. That kind of public commitment is rare and notable.
Kim was signed to bolster Atlanta's infield. His ability to play shortstop and bring contact skills gives the Braves a needed option as they push through the second half. The team will now see if his finger holds up under game conditions.
Sentiment
NeutralNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
9
Articles
8
Reach
9
A
AnonymousAuthor
