Latest news with #KimHa-seong
Korea Herald
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Kim Ha-seong returns to MLB after 11 months with hit, stolen base
Kim Ha-seong has made an impactful return to the big leagues with a hit and a stolen base in his highly anticipated debut for the Tampa Bay Rays, following a long injury layoff. Starting at shortstop and batting seventh in an away game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field in Minneapolis on Friday (U.S. time), the 29-year-old infielder went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. It was his first Major League appearance in 11 months, following a right shoulder injury sustained last August while playing for the San Diego Padres. The injury required surgery that October. During his rehabilitation, the South Korean player signed a lucrative two-year deal worth up to US$31 million with the Rays. After a 21-game stint in Triple-A, Kim was called up to the major league roster. His moment came in the top of the seventh inning when, leading off, Kim hit Brock Stewart's 96.3 mph fastball for a sharp single to left field. The ball left his bat at a blistering 105.3 mph. It was not only his first hit in a Tampa Bay uniform but also the 419th of his MLB career. He immediately stole second base but was tagged out attempting to steal third. Kim had to exit the game early after experiencing cramping in his right calf during the attempt. After the game, both Kim and Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed cautious optimism that the issue was not serious. Kim told that he hadn't felt any discomfort until the moment he broke for third base in the seventh inning. "I think we'll need to reevaluate tomorrow, but I don't think it should be a big problem," Kim said via an interpreter after the game. "I hope so," Cash said. "We'll just see. It's kind of day to day -- check on him through the night and then tomorrow." Despite Kim's encouraging debut, the Rays ultimately fell to the Twins by a score of 4-3 on a walk-off home run. The Tampa Bay Rays currently hold a solid 48-40 record, tying them for second place in the American League East. They also remain in a favorable position in the highly competitive AL wild card race. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Injured Rays shortstop Kim Ha-seong nears rehab assignment in minors
Working his way back from last year's shoulder surgery, Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Kim Ha-seong could begin his rehab assignment in the minors soon. Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters in Tampa, Florida, on Monday that Kim could get some at-bats in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League "at the end of the week" before moving on to a higher-level affiliate for a minor league rehab assignment. According to Kim fielded grounders at shortstop during Monday's pregame defensive practice and also took part in batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa before the Rays' series opener against the Houston Astros. Kim, 29, has yet to play for the Rays after signing a two-year contract as a free agent in February. Kim, the 2023 National League Gold Glove winner at the utility spot, is the highest-paid Ray this season with $13 million in salary. If he doesn't opt out after this year, he will earn $16 million in 2026. Kim underwent surgery to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder in October, some two months after hurting it in a dive back to first base on a pickoff attempt while playing for the San Diego Padres. Kim had hoped he would be back by as early as April, but he will likely see his first action as a Ray in late May or early June. Kim made his big league debut in 2021 after seven years in the Korea Baseball Organization and enjoyed his best season in 2023. In addition to becoming the first Asian-born infielder to win a Gold Glove, Kim set career highs with 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, 38 steals and an on-base plus slugging of .749. He played second base, shortstop and third base that year. He was the Padres' primary shortstop in 2024, but his defense slipped from his lofty 2023 heights. At the plate, Kim finished with 11 homers, 47 RBIs, 22 steals and a .700 OPS in 121 games before suffering the shoulder injury. Once he regains his form, Kim is expected to pair his quality defense with solid offensive production. During Kim's absence, Taylor Walls has been the Rays' shortstop. While he is leading the majors with 12 defensive runs saved, he entered Monday batting only .198/.289/.243 in 41 games. (Yonhap)
