The San Diego Padres secured the second-best record in franchise history with a 5-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. That’s despite several injuries to key players, including Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ha-Seong Kim. The Padres managed to pull off an impressive campaign. Fortunately, Darvish, Musgrove, and Tatis have returned to full health just in time for October. However, the team was dealt a tough blow on Saturday with the announcement that Kim will be shut down for the rest of the season. Hopes of his return for the postseason. While this is undoubtedly disappointing, it also gives the Padres clarity on their infield configuration as they head into the Wild Card Series.
Padres Infield Outlook Ahead of Wild Card Series
Ha-Seong Kim To Have Season-Ending Surgery
Kim, 28, hasn’t played since August 18. He injured his right shoulder diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt. Initially thought to be a brief stint on the injured list, his absence stretched far longer than expected. Padres manager Mike Shildt hinted at the severity of Kim’s condition on Friday during an interview with Gwynn & Chris on 97.3 The Fan. Shildt noted Kim was struggling to “get over that hump with his throwing,” casting doubt on his return this season.
The Padres are shutting down Ha-Seong Kim, Mike Shildt says. Kim has been dealing with a shoulder injury he sustained in mid-August.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) September 28, 2024
That doubt became reality on Saturday when the Padres announced Kim would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. While his offensive production (.233/.330/.370 with 11 HR and 47 RBI) won’t be deeply missed, his stellar defense certainly will. Despite not playing for over a month, Kim ranks seventh on the team in fWAR (2.6), ahead of guys like Jake Cronenworth (2.2), Xander Bogaerts (1.9), and Luis Arráez (1.1).
Finding Infield Consistency
After Kim’s injury, the Padres faced uncertainty at shortstop. Utility player Tyler Wade was given some starts at the position, but his defense was unsteady. Wade’s glove is better suited for the outfield, and his speed makes him more effective as a pinch runner. The team also called up Mason McCoy from Triple-A El Paso, who had a brief stint as the everyday shortstop. While McCoy provided some quality at-bats, his overall offensive production was minimal. Eventually, the Padres made the best decision available: moving Bogaerts back to his natural position at shortstop. Even Bogaerts recognized the significance of the move, expressing some regret over Solano’s reduced playing time, especially considering the strong season he was having. Although Bogaerts wasn’t thrilled about leaving second base, Shildt persuaded him to make the switch. It was the best option for the team going forward, but it hasn’t been perfect.
The Dodgers take a quick lead on a Xander Bogaerts throwing error pic.twitter.com/osSuTDS2x9
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 25, 2024
Can Bogaerts Step Up?
With Kim officially out for the year, the Padres’ infield alignment is now set for the postseason. Manny Machado will continue to anchor the infield as he mans the hot corner. Cronenworth stays at second, and the Solano/Arráez platoon will cover first. Bogaerts will remain at shortstop, but his performance has been shaky since returning to the position. Bogaerts has committed several errors recently, highlighting why the team had initially hesitated to move him back to shortstop.
.@SammyLev spoke with Xander Bogaerts about how he feels being back at shortstop: pic.twitter.com/zIu8Ooz2zO
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) September 18, 2024
While it’s uncertain if Kim’s return would have moved Bogaerts back to second base, the team no longer has to worry about juggling defensive roles. Now, Bogaerts can settle in at shortstop and focus on finding his rhythm as the Wild Card Series approaches. To help with late-game defensive substitutions, the Padres recently called up veteran and NL West journeyman Nick Ahmed. The 34-year-old, a two-time Gold Glove winner, offers a steady glove and could be used to replace Bogaerts in the later innings.
Kim’s Future
The best version of the Padres includes Kim at shortstop. However, general manager A.J. Preller has built this team with depth in mind, and that depth will be crucial as the Padres gear up for their first postseason series in two years. Looking ahead, it’s possible that Kim has played his final game as a Padre, as he has the option to opt out of his contract after the season. If that happens, the electrifying “Ha-Seong Kim!” chants that echoed through Petco Park may be a thing of the past.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
