ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss four to five months following surgery on Sunday to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger.
The Braves said Kim was injured in his native South Korea. Sunday's announcement from the team came about one month after Kim agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract with Atlanta.
The signing was expected to address a major offseason need, and the loss of Kim for at least part of the season leaves the team again needing to recast its plan for a starting shortstop. A recovery period of up to five months could keep Kim out until late June.
The Braves said Sunday's surgery was performed in Atlanta by Dr. Gary Lourie.
With Kim facing a lengthy rehabilitation, the Braves may have to rely on Mauricio Dubón, acquired from the Houston Astros for Nick Allen in an exchange of infielders on Nov. 19, at shortstop. With a healthy Kim, Dubón could have served a utility role.
The 30-year-old Kim hit .234 with five homers and 17 RBIs last season for Tampa Bay and Atlanta. The Braves claimed him off waivers on Sept. 1. Kim didn’t make his season debut until July 4 because of right shoulder surgery in late 2024.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb
FILE - Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim reacts during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 22, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard, File)
LONDON (AP) — Ja Morant says there should be no doubt about his desire to keep playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
After a dominant performance in a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, the two-time All Star addressed recent trade speculation about him.
“I’ve got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be,” Morant said, referring to a tattoo of the team logo.
Morant had 24 points and 13 assists in his return to the lineup Sunday after a six-game absence because of a right calf injury.
“If anybody in here knows me — I’m a very loyal guy,” he said.
Morant's return provided an instant boost for a team that needed it. The Grizzlies' win was just their third in the past 10 games.
After sitting out the first game of a European doubleheader — the Magic won 118-111 in Berlin on Thursday — Morant was appreciative of the fan support he received in London.
“Just being able to play basketball — it’s very therapeutic for me,” he said. "I know what I'm capable of out there on the court and I was able to show that tonight.
“It was big-time, walking off and representing Memphis is what it’s all about.”
Memphis built a 33-point lead in the first half — and this time held on for the win. The Grizzlies blew a 20-point lead in the loss in Berlin.
“That’s just credit to coach putting us in the best spots possible and then just me being Ja and wind up making the right play whether it’s passing or scoring,” he said. “We got into a great rhythm early, got a big lead, after that it's just managing.”
The 26-year-old Morant is making about $39.4 million this season and is in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant moves the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half of NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in London. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant looks on from the bench in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
