Kim Ha-seong Starts for First Time in 20 Days After Walk-Off Hit

After delivering a dramatic walk-off single that secured a victory, Kim Ha-seong has earned a starting position for the Atlanta Braves. He is set to start as the No. 9 hitter and shortstop in the home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 28th, marking his first start in 20 days.

Kim's inclusion in the starting lineup comes after a challenging period where he faced a batting slump and received limited playing opportunities. His crucial hit on August 27th, a single off Tanner Scott's 97.2 mph fastball with runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, broke a tie and ended the game.

This game-winning hit was Kim's second career walk-off hit since joining Major League Baseball in 2021. The previous instance was a walk-off home run on April 4, 2023. Notably, his recent clutch hit ended an 84-day drought without a game-deciding hit, providing a significant boost to his performance and confidence.

With Kim starting at shortstop, regular shortstop Mauricio Dubon will shift to left field for this game. The matchup also features a highly anticipated duel between two prominent Asian players: Kim Ha-seong for the Braves and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers' starting pitcher. Shohei Ohtani is listed as the designated hitter for the Dodgers.