Collided with catcher’s shoulder while sliding home in Texas the day before
Injury concern, but returned to play immediately
Ha-Sung Kim (San Diego Padres) is back in the starting lineup after shaking off concerns about a shoulder injury.
Kim will start in the leadoff spot against the Colorado Rockies at 9:40 a.m. ET today at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.
It will be his first time batting leadoff since joining the big leagues in 2021.
Kim was initially expected to miss the game due to a shoulder injury.
Kim slammed his shoulder into catcher Sam Huff’s knee while rushing home in the third inning against the Texas Rangers on March 31. The run was allowed to score, but Kim complained of pain while holding his right shoulder and was promptly replaced in the top of the fourth inning.
After the game, San Diego manager Bob Melvin said he didn’t think it was serious, but “we’ll have to check it every day.”
Fortunately, X-rays showed no problems.
Kim expressed his intention to play.
“It was bad when I crashed, but it got better over time,” he told local media, “I’ll check my condition tomorrow and if it’s okay, I’ll play right away. I will return to the lineup as soon as possible,” he promised.
The next day, he was declared “healthy” for the game. Instead, he played as a designated hitter to ease the burden of defense.
Kim has been on a tear lately. In his last 16 games, he’s batting .379 (22-for-58) with four home runs, eight RBIs, and five doubles, making him a valuable offensive addition to San Diego’s lineup.
Meanwhile, 스포츠토토 Kim will face Colorado left-hander Austin Gomber on Sunday.
Gomber is 8-8 with a 5.83 ERA this year.