The Atlanta Braves were dealt some stunning and brutal news on Sunday afternoon. In a stunning announcement from the Braves, it was revealed that $20 million shortstop Ha-Seong Kim suffered a torn tendon in his right middle finger.
This injury for Kim is expected to keep him out for 4-5 months, which could keep him out until June or July, and potentially even longer if the recovery doesn't go well.
Amid such a stunning injury announcement, knowing the Braves' backup is important. Fortunately, the Braves have an experienced shortstop, a 31-year-old former Houston Astros World Series champion who's not a bad option for Atlanta.
Who is Braves' backup shortstop? Ex-Astros utilityman taking over starting job
The Braves are going to turn to a new shortstop for the foreseeable future, at least through Spring Training, Opening Day, and the first month or two of the 2026 MLB season.
That player will likely be Mauricio Dubon, a versatile infielder/outfielder who's spent seven years in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, and the Astros.
Early in the offseason, the Braves sent infielder Nick Allen to the Astros for Dubon. While it wasn't viewed as the solution to the shortstop spot, the Braves were willing to go into 2026 with Dubon as the starter.
Even though the Braves added Kim back on a one-year, $20 million deal, the Braves still have to turn to Dubon as their starter.
More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
This past season, Dubon played in133 games for the Astros. He had a.241 batting average with a.644 OPS. He had 89 hits, 21 doubles, seven home runs, 33 RBIs, and 43 runs scored with just 42 strikeouts and 24 walks on the year.
A contact-first hitter, Dubon won't provide elite offense for the Braves, but he's a solid defender and could provide overall solid production as Atlanta waits for Kim to recover.
Atlanta turning to Dubon as the starter is far from ideal, but considering their other options, he is far from a bad starter. The trade they swung with the Astros is already paying off, as Dubon will play a big role for a decent part of the 2026 season.
More MLB news:
- Mets offer to Kyle Tucker before Dodgers' $240 million deal revealed by former MLB GM
- Kyle Tucker contract details: How much deferred money did Dodgers give new star?
- Dodgers continue to frustrate all of MLB with major Kyle Tucker signing
- Red Sox get big trade update on Brendan Donovan amid updated rumors
- Former Cubs, Twins All-Star utilityman to sign with Rockies on two-year deal
- Mets get bad news on free-agent Cody Bellinger amid strong Yankees offer