The Atlanta Braves just got some great news to start the week. Coming off an impressive series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers that pushed their record to 28-13, the team is now getting a key piece back from injury. That win streak has them sitting nine games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, and with Matt Olson looking like an MVP candidate, things are already looking bright. But the return of Ha-Seong Kim makes the picture even better.

On Monday morning, the Braves announced that Kim has been activated from the injured list after recovering from a freak offseason injury. He'll be available for the upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. To make room, the team placed outfielder Eli White on the 7-day concussion IL.

Kim signed a $20 million deal with Atlanta this past offseason after a short but productive stint with the team at the end of the 2025 season. Unfortunately, things took an unexpected turn when he slipped on ice in South Korea during the winter, tearing a tendon in his right middle finger. It was one of those unlucky, fluke injuries that no one could have predicted, and it kept him sidelined for a significant chunk of time. Now, after a rehab assignment, he's finally ready to rejoin the big league roster.

In 24 games with the Braves last year, Kim hit .253 with a .684 OPS. While those numbers don't jump off the page, his value comes from his glove. He's a reliable defensive shortstop who has been a consistent contributor throughout his MLB career. With his return, he'll take over at shortstop for a team that already looks like one of the best in baseball.

For Braves fans, this is the kind of depth that can make a good team great. Kim's return adds another layer of stability to an already stacked roster, and his defensive skills will be a welcome addition as Atlanta pushes to maintain its lead in the division.