Ha-Seong Kim Ready to Debut with the Rays
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim, coming from the Tampa Bay Rays, has been activated from the 60-day injured list and is preparing to debut with his new team this Friday against the Minnesota Twins.
Kim, who underwent surgery on his right shoulder last October, has not participated in the current season.
The player suffered a labrum tear while playing with the San Diego Padres on August 18 and missed the rest of the 2024 season.
In the offseason, Kim signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Rays, and was expected to be the team’s starting shortstop. His salary for this season is $13 million, and he has a player option for $16 million for 2026.
Kim, known for his versatility, could also play second base. During his 21-game rehabilitation period in Triple-A Durham, he participated in nine games as a shortstop, five at second base, and seven as a designated hitter. His batting average was .208 with six RBIs in 72 at-bats.
Kim, 29, is recognized for his outstanding defense and won a Gold Glove in 2023.
The veteran has also been dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
In the past season, Kim batted .233 with 11 home runs, 47 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases in 121 games for San Diego.
In his four seasons with the Padres, the South Korean hit .242 with 47 home runs, 200 RBIs, and 78 stolen bases in 540 games, becoming a fan favorite.
The Rays also sent first baseman Curtis Mead to Durham and assigned right-handed pitcher Forrest Whitley to the same affiliate after he was released on Thursday. The move with Whitley freed up a spot on the 40-man roster for Kim.
Mead, 24, had a batting average of .225 with three home runs and eight RBIs in 47 games with the Rays this season.
Whitley, 27, has an ERA of 13.50 in 10 appearances as a reliever between the Houston Astros and the Rays this season. He has allowed 20 runs (18 earned) in 12 innings.
The Rays acquired Whitley from the Astros on June 13.
