“It’s unclear if Kim Ha-sung will come back”
“MLB.com ” said on the 9th (Korea time) that “Xander Bogaerts is an option to take the shortstop position with Kim Ha-sung still absent.”
Kim Ha-sung, who wore a San Diego uniform before the 2021 season, had a disappointing season, contrary to expectations, as he had a hard time adapting to the Major League’s fast ball in his first season of debut. However, the opportunity came as Fernando Tatis Jr., who was the main shortstop ahead of the second year, was put on the operating table due to a wrist injury and was suspended for taking banned drugs. San Diego had high expectations for Kim Ha-sung to the extent that it gave up CJ Abrams, a “competitor,” which was called a “special prospect.” 먹튀검증
Kim Ha-sung fully lived up to San Diego’s belief. He showed remarkable growth in 150 games with 130 hits, 11 homers, 51 RBIs, 58 runs, 12 steals, a batting average of 0.251 OPS of 0.708, and was selected as the final candidate for the Gold Glove in the National League Shortstop category. After the season ended, however, San Diego’s move went in a somewhat incomprehensible direction. Despite the resources of Kim Ha-sung and Tatis Jr., he invested a whopping 290 million dollars in the free agent market to recruit Xander Bogaerts, a shortstop resource.
As Bogaerts headed to San Diego, Kim Ha-sung naturally emerged as the 0th most traded player, but San Diego left the shortstop to Bogaerts and moved Kim Ha-sung to second base. Then, he sent Tatis Jr., who will return from prohibited drug punishment, to the outfield and Jake Cronenworth, who had previously been in charge of second base, to first base to begin “traffic cleanup.” As a result, Kim Ha-sung had a career-high season last year with 17 home runs, 38 steals, and a batting average of 0.260 OPS of 0.749, but Bogaerts had his worst year. San Diego moved again.
Coach Mike Shildt, who took the helm of the San Diego Padres prior to this season, asked Bogaerts to change his position just before the spring camp, and Bogaerts readily accepted the request, allowing Kim Ha-sung to return to shortstop. From the San Diego Padres’ point of view, they made the most of Kim Ha-sung’s strength with excellent defense, and expected a rebound at bat as Bogaerts, who had less offensive power, moved to second baseman, which is less burdensome for defense. However, an unexpected variable has recently occurred. Kim Ha-sung suffered a shoulder injury on the 19th of last month.
He was injured while returning to the first base through headfirst sliding on the check ball. Kim Ha-sung complained of severe pain at the time, even though he hurled his helmet after swearing, but no major problems were found in the MRI examination. As a result, Kim Ha-sung did not initially move to the injured list (IL), but coach Shildt moved the injured list on the 10th so that Kim Ha-sung could focus only on recovery. At the time, the head coach explained, “There is no need to hurry,” and Kim Ha-sung also accepted the injured list.
However, Kim Ha-sung’s return is being delayed than expected. Initially, he seemed to be able to return when the entry was expanded in early September, but he still has shoulder discomfort. In other words, defense is not smooth. According to the “MLB.com ” on the 9th, when asked about the timing of Kim Ha-sung’s return, Shildt said, “We are not as close as we want.” The “MLB.com ” also pointed out, “This news could cause a tectonic change in the San Diego infield, and there is a possibility that Xander Bogaerts, who moved to second base this year, will return to his original position.”
The fact that Bogaerts could move to shortstop also leads to Kim’s possibility of being out for the season. “MLB.com ” said, “Kim Ha-sung was injured while sliding to the first base three weeks ago against Colorado. San Diego was initially optimistic that Kim Ha-sung will be able to return after taking a 10-day break. However, although Kim Ha-sung attempted to increase the number of throws, he continues to feel discomfort in his shoulder. He failed to throw 100 percent. The possibility of Kim Ha-sung’s return this season is unclear. As a result, San Diego is also preparing for an unexpected situation.”
Currently, San Diego has only 17 games left. After the three-week schedule ends, the team immediately begins the post season. San Diego seems to have in mind that Kim Ha-sung will not be able to return within this period. If the period of departure is prolonged, the team will naturally lose sense of play in the actual game, and if that happens, the process of returning to the ground will also require time. Rather than Bogaerts returning to shortstop, it is worrisome that it is unclear when Kim Ha-sung will return. This will naturally affect the FA’s ransom.