The San Diego Padres have had to weather a storm of sorts concerning their star shortstop in Fernando Tatis Jr.
During the lockout, the slugger injured his wrist after multiple motorcycle accidents.
The injury would ultimately result in him needing surgery, which kept him out until August.
Then, news broke that he had tested positive for a banned substance and would be suspended 80 games.
However, the Padres haven’t lost much.
Ha-Seong Kim has filled the hole left by Tatis quite nicely in 2022.
The 26-year-old posted a 4.9 WAR this season, which ranks third all-time among Padres shortstops in a given season.
He’s also scored six runs in his first five postseason games.
Ha-Seong Kim has been doing it on both sides of the ball for the @Padres‼️
His 4.9 WAR this season ranks 3rd all-time amongst Padres' shortstops in a given season.
In just five Postseason games, Kim has already scored six times 😳 pic.twitter.com/7i5zr5Tpdk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 14, 2022
Tatis Who?
While the loss of Tatis certainly hurt the Padres, they still had a solid option waiting in the wings.
Kim, who signed a five-year deal with the Padres prior to the start of 2021, hit .251 with 11 home runs and 59 RBI and posted a .708 OPS.
He’s made everybody forget about Tatis for a little while and has provided the spark that the Padres needed this season while Tatis was out.
In essence, the Padres already had a star shortstop available, even with Tatis on the shelf.
Kim has been that guy for San Diego this season.
He’s remained healthy and has been a key producer in San Diego’s lineup, and he’s off to a solid start this postseason as well.
He’s picked up a hit in each of the first two games in the NLDS and hit .250 in the NL Wild Card Series against the New York Mets.
The Padres return home tonight for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
NEXT: Blake Snell Has A Fun Prediction For Game 3