Come back as early as this week! Expectations for Kim Ha-sung, U.S. media are also excited, "KIM energy, energizing."

Come back as early as this week! Expectations for Kim Ha-sung, U.S. media are also excited, "KIM energy, energizing."

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"KIM HA SUNG's energy will energize the batting line"

Kim Ha-sung of the Tampa Bay Rays suffered a shoulder injury in August last year, when he was a member of the San Diego Padres, and left the line. At that time, there was a prospect that Kim Ha-sung would be able to return to the ground in September, when the entry was expanded even immediately after the injury, but he failed to regain his physical condition and ended the season without returning to the operating table.

This naturally affected the ransom of Kim Ha-sung, who is about to acquire the free agent (FA) qualification. Even before the start of the 2024 season, U.S. media predicted that Kim Ha-sung could sign a large contract worth more than 100 million dollars. It was predicted that the value of his ability to perfectly keep various positions, including second, shortstop, and third baseman, would exceed 100 million dollars.
However, the shoulder injury was too fatal. It was unclear whether Kim Ha-sung would be able to show off his previous solid defense even after recovering from the injury. As a result, the heat toward Kim Ha-sung was not hot. Still, as he won the Gold Glove in the utility category, he was not in demand at all, and Kim Ha-sung will wear Tampa Bay's uniform through a two-year contract of up to 31 million dollars (about 42.7 billion won).

Kim Ha-sung, who was originally expected to return to the ground in May. However, Kim Ha-sung has yet to make the big league stage. However, it is clear that his return is imminent. On the 27th (Korea time), Kim Ha-sung played against the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds under the St. Louis Cardinals twice as a designated hitter and fired a signal for his return by recording two hits, one out and one stolen base in two at-bats.

Kim Ha-sung is expected to be able to make the big league stage as early as this week. On the 28th, the Tampa Bay Triple-A Durham Bulls did not have a schedule, so he could not play, but if he plays a rehabilitation game once or twice as a shortstop, he will soon be called by the Major League.

In particular, Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR) quoted Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times on the 27th, saying, "Kim Ha-sung has not played in any games since August last year, but his rehabilitation schedule is unlikely to be long," adding, "5 injured people including Kim Ha-sung, Johnny Deluca, Jake Blind, Travis Jankowski and Kevin Kelly, are all scheduled to return within this week."

With Kim Ha-sung's return imminent, expectations are also quite high in the region. "With this team lacking power on the rise, the factor that can further boost them is Kim Ha-sung's debut in Tampa Bay," said "Kim Ha-sung is the Gold Glove winner in 2023, and his energy can give a unique boost to the hot batting line. What is more encouraging is that his recovery is smooth after shoulder surgery."

"Kim Ha-sung was expected to return around the end of May, but his return has been put off a bit. However, he is currently participating in a rehabilitation match. Kim Ha-sung had two hits in the first game and made an impressive debut by getting on base with a hit ball, he said. "This performance deserves high expectations for Tampa Bay fans." 메이저놀이터

Sports Illustrated (SI) also said, "Kim Ha-sung, who has completed shoulder surgery and a new contract, has returned to the Triple-A stage. He aims to rejoin the big league within a few weeks, and his baserunning and on-base ability are drawing attention," and explained, "Tampa Bay is giving Kim Ha-sung time to boost his batting sense in the minor leagues while also finding defense recovery and balance."

And he said, "Kim's fast feet will serve as a strength in Tampa Bay's batting lineup. And if the team maintains a walk rate (12.1 percent), which is similar to that of the previous two seasons, Tampa Bay could use Kim as No. 2. Kim Ha-sung is the player who can contribute the most, especially in the stolen bases category," looking forward to his return.