Padres fans get promising Ha-Seong Kim injury update with one important caveat

The San Diego Padres have reluctantly been getting used to life without Ha-Seong Kim. The Friars' shortstop has been out of action for about month after suffering a shoulder injury on Aug. 18.

Padres manager Mike Shildt has been forced to make some changes to the starting lineup, most notably moving second baseman Xander Bogaerts to his natural position at shortstop. This has allowed Shildt to get Donovan Solano's bat into the lineup on a regular basis and allowed San Diego to put their best lineup on the field night in and night out.

But the Padres' best lineup is one that features Kim at shortstop. While having Solano in the lineup with regularity is certainly a plus, Kim's defense at shortstop is second to none on the team. But when will Kim be able to return?

San Diego provided an injury update for their ailing star, and while there's certainly measured optimism, it comes with a catch.

Will Ha-Seong Kim return before the Padres season is over?

Kim has begun light throwing and has plans to ramp up the intensity in the coming days. That's good news, right? Well, sort of. While Kim may be looking to get back onto the field, the Padres have been noncommittal about his return, and there's a chance that the slick-fielding shortstop won't be back before the season comes to a close.

The Friars are coming off a series sweep against the San Francisco Giants and are 15-11 since Kim has been out of action, so at least there's reason for Padres fanbase to be hopeful despite the absence of a return date at this point. The last time Kim began rehabbing from his shoulder injury, he suffered a setback and was unable to throw across the diamond.

There's also the matter of the minor league season. The El Paso Chihuahuas' final game will be this Sunday, meaning that Kim won't have an avenue for a minor league rehab assignment should he make considerable progress as he ramps up for return to the Padres' active roster. Getting live at-bats is crucial for any big leaguer who's been gone as long as Kim, and getting reps in batting practice just isn't the same.

It's beginning to look as if Kim's status, not just for the end of the regular season but also potential playoff run, could be in jeopardy as well. The Padres are better with Kim on the field, and the Friar faithful are hopeful to see Kim back on the diamond before the 2024 campaign comes to an end.

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