Braves SS Ha-Seong Kim struggling, losing playing time

Well-rested Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim received another day off Friday.

With his teammates preparing ot meet the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park, Kim put in his usual pre-game work. The slumping former Gold Glover prepped to sit for the sixth time in eight games.

In his place, Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon have stepped in and performed at a higher level.

In 39 games, Mateo was slashing .301/.341/.494.

Dubon, who started Friday’s 6-3 win, was .255/.312/.398.

Kim, meanwhile, remained at .102/.185/.102.

Is there any question about who deserves playing time?

It’s been a tough season for Kim. He couldn’t dress for Team Korea during the World Baseball Classic after tearing a tendon in his middle finger, leading to January surgery.

How far has Kim fallen since leaving the San Diego Padres? During his first four big-league seasons, Kim posted a 15.1 WAR in 540 games with the Padres. As a fielder, he registered a plus-24 outs above average (OAA) and a plus-18 fielding run value.

But getting designated for assignment after just 24 appearances with the Tampa Bay Rays last season, Kim landed with the Braves, who extended the relationship via a one-year, $20 million deal.

After returning from injury in mid-May, Kim delivered five hits in 49 at-bats and committed three defensive errors, posting a minus-4 OAA.

Is there any question about who deserves playing time?