When will we see Kim Ha-sung in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform? This time, he has suffered a hamstring injury and has suspended his rehabilitation game appearances.

The Tampa Bay Rays explained on the 14th (Korea time) that 'Kim Ha-sung was excluded from the rehabilitation game on the 13th due to tightness in his right hamstring. It is expected that he could return as early as the 17th.'

In August last year, when he was with the San Diego Padres, Kim Ha-sung injured his right shoulder while sliding into first base, leading to a long rehabilitation process. He ended up out for the regular season and underwent arthroscopic surgery in October.

After his four-year, $28 million contract with San Diego expired, Kim Ha-sung, while still recovering from shoulder surgery, was evaluated in the market. Due to concerns about the injury, securing a large contract was challenging, and he ultimately signed a two-year, $29 million deal with Tampa Bay. His contract includes conditions that will allow him to reassess his market value through opt-out at the end of this season, which is his first season.

Tampa Bay waited for Kim Ha-sung's shoulder condition to fully return, believing he would be able to return by May. However, they slowed his rehabilitation pace, waiting for a complete recovery.

Ultimately, Kim Ha-sung began his rehabilitation games on May 27, signaling the countdown to his return. He started as a designated hitter, playing second base and then shortstop, improving both his game performance and batting feel. There was a possibility of returning to the big leagues during the four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles next week, but he found himself back in the long tunnel of rehabilitation.

Mark Tomkins, a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, noted on his SNS on the 14th that 'Kim Ha-sung's rehabilitation schedule for his right shoulder was expected to end this Saturday. However, due to tightness in his right hamstring, the rehabilitation has been halted. He is expected to be out of games for at least five days, and then rehabilitation is anticipated to restart. The rehabilitation schedule will be given another 20 days.'

According to Tampa Bay's rehabilitation schedule, Kim Ha-sung may have to wait another month before returning. At this rate, a return in the first half of the season seems virtually impossible.

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