The day to see Kim Ha-sung in a Tampa Bay Rays uniform is getting closer.

North American sports outlet The Athletic reported on the 26th (Korean time) that Tampa Bay could face issues related to its home stadium if it advances to the postseason, while mentioning the return timeline for Kim Ha-sung.

This year, Tampa Bay has marked 45 wins and 35 losses, ranking 2nd in the American League East. It is currently leading the wild card race. At this point, the probability of reaching the postseason is quite high. However, Tampa Bay is currently using a temporary home stadium. Last October, its home stadium, Tropicana Field, located in St. Petersburg, Florida, was damaged by the strong winds of Hurricane Milton. The roof has been torn off, leading to a situation where considerable time is needed for repairs. Ultimately, the team designated George Steinbrenner Field, the minor league stadium of the New York Yankees located in nearby Tampa, as its temporary home stadium.

However, the seating capacity of 10,046 is narrow for Major League games. There are concerns that a larger venue will need to be used to host postseason games.

The fact that Major League officials have already begun discussions before the All-Star break indicates that Tampa Bay's chances of making the postseason are quite high. According to FanGraphs, Tampa Bay's postseason probability reaches 75.3%.

One of Tampa Bay's weak positions is shortstop. This year, the team's batting average is .256, ranking 4th in Major League Baseball, while its OPS is .728, placing it 11th overall, maintaining a mid-level offensive strength. However, the batting average for the shortstop position is .210, ranking 28th in the league, and the OPS is .597, ranking 26th. The fWAR is 1.1, around league average, but overall productivity is lacking.

Jose Caballero has a batting average of .229 (41 hits in 209 at-bats) with 2 home runs and 22 RBIs, while Taylor Walls has a batting average of .217 (39 hits in 207 at-bats) with 2 home runs and 25 RBIs. Though Caballero has compensated for productivity by successfully stealing 29 bases, the offense remains weak.

However, a player who can solve this issue at once is making a strong push for a return. That player is Kim Ha-sung. Before this season, he signed a 2-year contract worth $29 million with Tampa Bay. During free agency, Kim Ha-sung suffered a torn labrum injury in his right shoulder and underwent surgery, but Tampa Bay was willing to invest in him, prepared for a half-season absence.

And now the time to see Kim Ha-sung is approaching. He has been encouraged to adjust his rehabilitation pace to ensure a perfect return. Since Tampa Bay brought in Kim Ha-sung as a shortstop, the team has stated it will not utilize him at second base or as a designated hitter, and will call him up when he can perform his shortstop duties normally.

However, while regularly participating in rehabilitation games in mid-June to ramp up his game sense, he suffered a hamstring injury, delaying his return timeline again. Nevertheless, since the 21st, Kim Ha-sung has been participating in rehabilitation games in Triple-A again. Playing for the Durham Bulls, on the 25th against the Memphis Redbirds, he recorded 3 hits in 4 at-bats with 1 RBI, 2 walks, and 1 run scored. On the 26th against Memphis, he went hitless in 4 at-bats but has been regaining his form as he starts at shortstop in four consecutive games.

He is already a player proven in both offense and defense in Major League Baseball. He has previously recorded double-digit home runs and was a Gold Glove recipient. Once his game sense improves and he gains confidence in his physical condition, Tampa Bay plans to call him up without hesitation.

They are looking at July as the time for that. The Athletic emphasized, "Kim Ha-sung is expected to return from his labrum surgery in July. The shortstop position, which has struggled offensively, will become stronger with Kim Ha-sung's return."

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