Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (7) fields the ball against the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Rays Give Unfortunate Update on Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim

Originally posted on Tampa Bay Rays on SI
By Don Strouble | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 7:55 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays placed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on the 10-day injured list due to a low back strain while reinstating center fielder Jonny DeLuca, the team announced on Friday.

Kim's placement on the IL is retroactive to July 22 after he reported a stiff back during Monday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox. DeLuca, who has missed most of the season due to a shoulder strain, returns to the roster.

Right-hander Jacob Waguespack was designated for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed INF Ha-Seong Kim (low back strain) on the 10-day IL (retro July 22) and reinstated OF Jonny DeLuca (right shoulder strain) from the 60-day IL. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Jacob Waguespack was designated for assignment.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) July 25, 2025

Kim has dealt with injuries since debuting with the Rays on July 4 against the Minnesota Twins, following rehab from shoulder surgery for a torn labrum suffered last season with the San Diego Padres.

Kim dealt with cramping that caused him to leave his Rays debut early and miss the next three games. In a 4-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on July 13, Kim fouled a ball off his left foot, causing him to leave the game early.

Kim became Tampa Bay’s big free agent acquisition last season when he signed a two-year, $29 million deal. His $13 million salary this season makes him the highest-paid player on the roster.

In 10 games with the Rays, Kim is batting .226 (7-for-31) with one home run and three RBIs.

DeLuca suffered the shoulder strain while making a diving catch against the Texas Rangers on April 4. Multiple setbacks have continued to keep him out of the lineup, and now he makes his long-awaited return.

In his second season with the Rays, DeLuca is hitting .435 (10-for-23) with a triple and an RBI in nine games.

This article first appeared on Tampa Bay Rays on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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