After Ha-Seong Kim got injured, the Braves quickly strengthened their infield by signing utility player Jorge Mateo to a one-year deal.

Following the announcement that starting shortstop Ha-Seong Kim would be out until mid-May or possibly June due to injury, the Atlanta Braves promptly signed utility player Jorge Mateo to a one-year contract.

During his time with the Baltimore Orioles last year, Mateo posted a batting average of only .177 across 43 games, hitting 1 home run and an OPS of 0.483. The 30-year-old infielder has accumulated an OPS of 0.629 over 1411 plate appearances since making his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2020. Besides playing second base, he has defensive experience at all outfield positions, though shortstop remains his primary position.

With Ha-Seong Kim expected to be absent, Mauricio Dubón is projected to take over as the Braves’ starting shortstop, with Mateo serving as his backup. Manager Walt Weiss will have multiple speedy options, including Eli White, who is anticipated to be a reserve outfielder. Mateo, who stole 35 bases in a single season with the Orioles in 2022, boasts a high stolen base success rate of 84.1% (95 successful steals out of 113 attempts).

Ha-Seong Kim, who signed a one-year $20 million contract last December, suffered a torn tendon in his right middle finger after slipping on ice in Korea last week, and underwent repair surgery yesterday. The 30-year-old veteran faces a 4-5 month recovery period, meaning he will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season even under the best-case scenario.

The Braves highly value Mauricio Dubón’s exceptional defensive versatility, and Mateo’s addition allows Dubón to shift to other positions late in games as needed. For example, when left fielder Mike Yastrzemski faces a left-handed relief pitcher, Dubón can move to left field while Mateo takes over shortstop duties.