kicking off for shortstop Ha-Seong Kim said on Saturday that he will require season-ending surgery to repair a rupture in the labrum in his right shoulder, meaning he would not play in the postseason for the San Diego Padres.
Kim, who turns 29 on October 17, may have played his final game wearing a San Diego uniform. After this season, he is available for free agency. Against the Colorado Rockies on August 18, the four-year veteran hurt his shoulder diving back to first base.
Kim told interpreter David Lee, “I really tried everything to come back and help the team.” “However, my body just refused to obey my thoughts. I believe that my season is done as of right now. I might have played a part in our realistic postseason prospects, so it’s incredibly upsetting and disheartening.”
With their victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, the Padres secured home-field advantage for their National League wild-card series. In response to Kim’s injury, they shifted Jake Cronenworth from first base to second base and Xander Bogaerts back to shortstop.
There was anticipation that Kim would make a comeback this season as of early this week. He skipped the team’s victory celebration at Dodger Stadium earlier this week in favor of playing in a rehab game at the Padres’ spring training facilities in Peoria, Arizona.
“Why I went to Arizona in the first place was because I thought I could maybe come back,” Kim stated. “Rehab game participation was my. However, the discomfort returned, so after several discussions, we made the decision to find out what to do next, which is how surgery was chosen.”
Kim signed with the Padres out of South Korea in 2021 and played in 540 games, hitting.242 with 47 home runs, 78 stolen bases, and 200 RBIs across four seasons. He was the NL Utility Gold Glove Award winner last season.
Regarding his anticipated return date to the field, Kim stated that his primary priorities are getting well and getting ready for the 2025 campaign.
He also mentioned how much he loved the club, the people, and the city of San Diego.
“Obviously, San Diego’s a huge part of me, because this is my fourth season with them,” Kim stated. We battled to win the World Series trophy each year for the four years, creating wonderful memories in the process. I now consider the team to be almost like family.
“I believe there is a good possibility we will win everything this year. I will be there for the squad during this journey, even if I won’t be on the field with them.”
