Braves Benched Ha-Seong Kim After Slump
The Atlanta Braves moved the struggling shortstop to the bench following a four-game hitless streak.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Baseball
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The Atlanta Braves have demoted shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to the bench following a period of sustained offensive struggles. Kim went 0-for-3 in a loss against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday and has remained hitless in his last four appearances.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the team's need for consistent production as they push to clinch the National League East. With a magic number of five, the Braves are tightening their roster to maintain their division lead.
Ha-Seong Kim has recorded 14 hits, one double, eight runs, nine RBIs, and two stolen bases while batting .123 this season. He is currently playing under a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves.
The players
Ha-Seong Kim
He is an MLB shortstop currently playing for the Atlanta Braves on a one-year contract.
Atlanta Braves
The professional baseball team is a National League East franchise currently holding an 89-64 record.
Houston Astros
The professional baseball team is an American League club that currently holds a 77-76 record.
The details
The team announced the change to the lineup ahead of their three-game series against the Houston Astros. This move follows a game where Kim recorded no hits in three at-bats, continuing a four-game stretch without a single hit.
Timeline
Wednesday: The Braves lost to the Cubs as Kim went 0-for-3.
Friday: The Braves begin a three-game series against the Houston Astros.
Season Trajectory
The Braves are managing a narrow four-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies with a magic number of five. This lineup adjustment signals a shift toward prioritizing immediate performance to secure the division title before the postseason.
The benching of Kim removes a .123 hitter from the daily rotation, likely impacting the Braves' infield defense and offensive efficiency during the final stretch of the season. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups as Kim is no longer a guaranteed starter.
The takeaway
Teams often pivot to utility players or bench depth when high-priced starters fail to produce during a pennant race. This transition serves as a reminder that even significant contractual investments are frequently outweighed by the immediate need for wins in September.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit our Baseball section.
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