The Padres' promotion at the end of the season prevents the return of the injured Ha-Seong Kim

The San Diego Padres made a roster change on Sunday before heading into the final game of the 2024 regular season at Petco Park. Unfortunately, it wasn't the change Friar supporters wanted to see.

The Padres acquired Nick Ahmed's contract, placed infielder Mason McCoy on the 10-day IL because of a back injury and moved right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito from the minor league roster to the 60-day IL.

The Padres will be the fourth NL West franchise Ahmed has suited up for in recent months, and while the signing of the two-time Gold Glove Award winner certainly provides a defensive reinforcement behind Xander Bogaerts at the shortstop position, it definitely doesn't bode well for the impending return of Ha-Seong Kim.

The signing of Nick Ahmed likely closes the door for Ha-Seong Kim's return to the Padres team

As for Kim's injury status, Padres fans are eagerly awaiting positive news. Recent news suggests Kim is making progress, but he is nowhere near where the Padres front office had hoped.

Kim injured his shoulder a little over a month ago, and the Friars have had to reshuffle their infield of late. Bogaerts has returned to the shortstop position, with Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arráez and Donovan Solano rotating between first and second base on a nightly basis. While these changes haven't hurt San Diego's postseason hopes in the slightest, there's no denying that the Padres are a better team with Kim on the field and in the starting lineup.

Kim has been rehabbing for the past few weeks, but the shortstop with the slick fielding skills has yet to throw a ball down the field. While recent reports suggest he is preparing for a return, the Padres finish the regular season this week with upcoming games against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

It's almost impossible to imagine Kim returning to the Padres in the final week of the 2024 regular season. However, there is hope that Kim's rehab will continue and the 30-year-old may find his way onto the Padres' playoff roster sometime in October.

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