TAMPA -- Five months after signing Ha-Seong Kim to one of the largest free-agent deals in franchise history, the Rays added the dynamic shortstop to their active roster.
The Rays reinstated Kim from the 60-day injured list on Thursday, an off-day ahead of a 10-game road trip through Minnesota, Detroit and Boston, and optioned infielder Curtis Mead to Triple-A Durham. Kim will be with the club when it begins a three-game series against the Twins on Friday afternoon at Target Field.
Kim had been on the IL all season while completing his recovery from right shoulder surgery, a procedure that ended his final season with the Padres early. The Rays expected he would not be ready to start the season after signing him to a two-year, $29 million contract in February. He is making $13 million this season, and he has a player option for $16 million next year.
The Gold Glove Award-winning infielder began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on May 26. He paused his initial stint on June 12 due to right hamstring tightness but rejoined Durham on June 20. In 21 games overall, he hit .208/.352/.250 with three doubles, six RBIs, six stolen bases, 15 walks and 10 strikeouts.
Since signing Kim, the Rays made it clear the 29-year-old was expected to be their primary shortstop whenever he was ready to join the team, but it’s possible he could move around the infield. He started nine games as Durham’s shortstop during his rehab assignment, with an additional five games at second base and seven as the designated hitter.
Ideally, Kim will step in to provide energy, offense from the bottom of the order and reliable defense for a Rays team that is in the mix atop the American League East. In four seasons with the Padres, he slashed .242/.326/.380 and totaled 15.1 WAR.
Taylor Walls, one of the Majors’ top defensive players, could continue to get starts at shortstop behind Kim. The same could go for the versatile José Caballero, who can also play second and third and all three outfield positions.
Mead, who made the Opening Day roster after a great Spring Training, was hitting .225/.320/.342 in 128 plate appearances while mostly playing against left-handed pitchers. The Rays can fill his backup role with some combination of Caballero stepping in at second or third, and DH Yandy Díaz has been getting the occasional start at first base lately when Jonathan Aranda has a day off.
The Rays had an open spot on their 40-man roster for Kim after they designated reliever Forrest Whitley for assignment last weekend. Whitley cleared waivers on Thursday and was outrighted to Triple-A.