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 taggWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times