Kim Ha-seong (29, Tampa Bay Rays), who has played only 10 games in Major League Baseball (MLB) this season, has been placed on the injured list (IL) once again.
On July 26 (Korean time), the Tampa Bay club of Major League Baseball announced, "Kim Ha-seong, who is suffering from a back sprain, has been placed on the 10-day IL." The IL designation was retroactively applied to July 23.
On July 22, during a game against the Chicago White Sox, Kim Ha-seong reached base with a walk in the fourth inning and succeeded in stealing his fourth base of the season. However, he injured his back during this process and was substituted out.
After the game, Kim Ha-seong said, "I felt a strong tightening in my back when I was sliding. I need to monitor the situation further to know my exact condition."
Kevin Cash, manager of Tampa Bay, had hoped that "Kim Ha-seong would be able to play on July 26," but the manager's wish did not come true.
Kim Ha-seong did play catch before the away game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 26, but he had not recovered enough to participate in the game.
In August of last year, Kim Ha-seong injured his shoulder and underwent surgery. This year, while playing in minor league rehab games, he experienced thigh pain, which delayed his return to the big leagues.
After experiencing back pain in the game against the White Sox on July 22, Kim Ha-seong said, "I have diligently completed rehab training, running training, and conditioning training. I hope this will be the last difficult period I have to overcome."
This season, Kim Ha-seong's MLB statistics are 10 games, 31 at-bats, 7 hits (batting average 0.226), 1 home run, 3 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.669.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
