Rays Infielder Ha-Seong Kim Makes Debut After Shoulder Surgery

Ha-Seong Kim, a versatile and highly regarded infielder who signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, made his much-anticipated debut on July 4, 2025, after missing the first half of the season due to right shoulder surgery. Kim, known for his defensive prowess and speed including a Gold Glove award in 2023, was activated from the 60-day injured list and started as the Rays' shortstop against the Minnesota Twins, batting seventh. Despite a strong start with a hard-hit single and a stolen base, Kim left the game after the seventh inning due to a calf cramp, which the team hopes is not serious. Prior to joining the Rays, Kim had a standout career with the San Diego Padres, including MVP votes and a .260 average with 17 home runs in 2023, showcasing his value as both a hitter and defender. During his rehabilitation, Kim played at Triple-A Durham, gaining experience at multiple infield positions, and the Rays are optimistic about his impact on a team seeking to strengthen its lineup. The Rays replaced Taylor Walls with Kim as the regular shortstop, anticipating that his combination of power, speed, and defensive skill will be a significant asset moving forward.