Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss gave shortstop Ha-Seong Kim a shot back in Sunday's lineup while keeping the hot bat of Jorge Mateo in at the DH spot. This was a chance for Kim to show himself capable and build momentum in what has been a surprising position battle. Instead, the shortstop would go 0/3 with a strikeout, making the veteran hitless in his last 14 trips to the plate and making an obvious decision for the Braves.
Mateo has continued to show up and perform at the highest level embracing what has previously been an inconsistent role. This was the case yet again on Sunday, with the infielder offering a home run from the designated hitter spot on a day when it seemed the Atlanta offense couldn't get anything rolling their way. It was continued offensive excellence, putting Mateo's average at .316 and making it clear that Kim must remain on the bench.
It doesn't matter what the veteran's salary might be when you have options giving you a better chance to win. Career norms say that Kim will heat up and Mateo will cool at some point in the 2026 season; however, until this is the case, the Braves must continue to start Mateo and leave Kim riding the bench.
Braves Have No Choice but to Bench Ha-Seong Kim Amid Slump
Atlanta might have a healthy division lead, but this is a franchise with World Series expectations looking to finish with the league's best record. The Braves have raced out to every major win milestone in the first two months of the season and cannot afford to slow down. Holding onto the National League's top spot offers a decided homefield advantage for a franchise looking very much like a World Series favorite.
With this in mind, each game must be approached with a level of urgency, and that demands that Kim spend time on the bench. You're not closing the door on future contributions, but acknowledging the current offensive liability the shortstop has been.
Not only can you lean on Mateo, but Mauricio Dubon started out the season on a hot streak and played incredible defense in the middle of the infield. The Braves have two winning options that should be leaned on in favor of a player who simply appears overmatched each time he steps up to the plate.
It is fair to wonder how much of this could be due to confidence after missing spring training and sitting back and watching the Braves race out to an incredible divisional lead. There is unquestionably a level of pressure on Kim to step in and instantly contribute.
While this would be extremely understandable, it doesn't take away from the decision the Braves need to make, and that is continuing to roll with Mateo as long as the shortstop continues to exceed expectations.
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