Ha-Seong Kim excited to start rehab assignment, near joining Rays

TAMPA — Infielder Ha-Seong Kim can see the finish line to his rehab and the start of his career with the Rays.Kim, who signed with Tampa Bay in February as he recovered from surgery to repair a right shoulder labrum tear sustained with San Diego in August, is slated to get some live at-bats in Port Charlotte later this week. He then will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham, putting him on track to join the Rays in early June.“The team and the training staff, they’ve taken great care of me, so I’m in a really good spot right now,” Kim said Tuesday via interpreter David Lee. “And because I’m feeling good, I’m confident that everything will go smoothly in terms of the rehab assignment.”Rehab assignments for position players can last up to 20 days. While the Rays have been very encouraged with how Kim has looked in full-speed workouts with the team this week, manager Kevin Cash said, there is no timetable for how long he will need.“He hasn’t played baseball in a long time, so we’ve got to get plenty of live at-bats with him,” Cash said. “I can’t put a number on it, but I think it’ll be lengthier than shorter just because of the amount of time missed.”Kim, 29, said he never before missed this much time and is eager to get back.“During this long rehab period, I really got to realize how thankful it is for a player to not be hurt and play healthy,” Kim said. “I’m just trying to build up little by little, and I think hopefully you can see me back on the field soon.”Kim was signed to play shortstop, but Cash said on his rehab assignment he likely will serve first as a designated hitter and play second base, which requires less stressful throws. Kim said he feels he has come through the rehab drills well. He is pleased with his arm strength and velocity, and now needs to get reacclimated to game speed in the field and at the plate. “I think I’m just at a stage where I just need to go out in games and try to build up, to take it to another step forward. That’s where we’re at,” he said.“I think most importantly when we get to the rehab assignment, it’s really important for me to get my eyes used to a pitcher throwing off the mound, because I haven’t seen that for months. So, I’ll try my best to get myself adjusted to that as quick as possible.”In other rehab news: Reliever Kevin Kelly (left gluteal strain) worked a one-run inning for the Florida Complex League team, allowing a hit and a run, hitting a batter and striking out three. Jake Mangum (left groin strain) went 1-for-3 with an RBI single and came around to score. Both may now move up to Durham. ... Reliever Hunter Bigge (right lat strain) threw a bullpen Tuesday and also may be headed to Durham.With another left-handed pitcher starting Tuesday, the Rays sat lefty swingers Kameron Misner and Chandler Simpson, and started Jose Caballero in center.Caballero has expanded his defensive duties from infield to include outfield this season. He has played more innings in rightfield than anywhere else, having also started at shortstop, third base and second. He also played in leftfield during two games. But he got experience in center during spring training and said he was ready for the opportunity.“It’s exciting for me to to take the challenge, to play a really hard position that is centerfield,” Caballero said. “I like challenges, and I take pride in myself in my defense, so I look forward to do well out there.”Cash said the Rays want to keep Josh Lowe, who returned from the injured list Thursday, in rightfield. With Jake Mangum, Jonny DeLuca and Richie Palacios all still sidelined, they wanted to give Caballero a shot “and let that athleticism play. The way that he plays defense all over the field gives us a lot of confidence.”The Rays announced their 29th sellout in 30 games at Steinbrenner Field, with a capacity of 10,046. ... First baseman Jonathan Aranda said he “100%, for sure” will play for his native Mexico in next spring’s World Baseball Classic. ... Taj Bradley will start Wednesday’s matinee with the biggest challenge cutting down on walks, having issued 22 free passes over his last eight stats (44 ⅔ innings).• • • Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook .

Ha-Seong Kim excited to start rehab assignment, near joining Rays

MORE FOR YOU

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIBERS