Braves activate Kim ahead of series vs. Cubs; White placed on 7-day IL

ATLANTA -- Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will be in the lineup when the Braves begin a three-game series against the Cubs on Tuesday night at Truist Park.

The Braves activated Kim from the injured list and placed outfielder Eli White on the seven-day concussion IL on Monday. White made a game-saving catch just before his head slammed into the right-field wall during Sunday’s win over the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Kim signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Braves on Dec. 15. His bid to enjoy his first healthy season since 2023 ended one month later, when he slipped on ice while on the street in his native South Korea. He underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger on Jan. 18 and didn’t report to Spring Training until March 16.

Kim began a nine-game Minor League rehab assignment on April 29. The 30-year-old veteran went 8-for-28 with a double while making a combined 34 plate appearances with Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett.

With Kim set to be the primary shortstop, Jorge Mateo’s playing time will be reduced. But his speed could still be quite valuable off the bench in the late innings. As for Opening Day shortstop Mauricio Dubón, he has been primarily used as an outfielder over the past couple weeks. He will likely remain the top option in left field, especially with Mike Yastrzemski posting a .516 OPS through his first 38 games.

The Braves claimed Kim off waivers from the Rays in September knowing they would likely pursue him as a free agent this past winter. The shortstop remained a top target after producing a .684 OPS over 24 games for the Braves. His best season came with the Padres in 2023, when he hit 17 homers, collected 38 stolen bases and posted a .749 OPS.