Tampa Bay's manager in the Sotam team is out of his mind, and I hope Kim Ha-sung, who returned after 320 days, is not seriously injured after ordering a double steal...

Jul 05, 2025

'He burns all the candles for three days while trying to catch a flea'

It is a proverb that points out the foolishness of trying to make a small profit and causing a big loss. It seems to be something Tampa Bay Rays coach Kevin Cash must remember.

Coach Cash ordered Kim Ha-sung (30), who returned after 320 days of long rehabilitation after shoulder surgery last year, to operate a double steel operation with a high risk. In the end, Kim Ha-sung showed signs of injury and was replaced. Even the operation failed, and the team suffered a come-from-behind defeat. Kim Ha-sung, who receives the highest annual salary in the team, let alone income, almost fell back into the rehabilitation swamp. Coach Cash then left a brazen comment "I hope it's not a big injury"

Tampa Bay Rays Kim Ha-sung was registered on the major league roster on the 4th (Korea time). Photo = Tampa Bay Rays Club Official X Account

Kim Ha-sung played his return match against the Minnesota Twins of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) at Target Field in Minneapolis on the 5th (Korea time). It is the first MLB start in 320 days since the Colorado Rockies, who played for the San Diego Padres on August 19 last year before the shoulder injury. It can be said to be a very important return match that can determine whether Kim Ha-sung has succeeded in rehabilitation.

Kim Ha-sung underwent surgery after ending the season early due to a shoulder injury. After 11 months of rehabilitation, he left San Diego to sign a new free agent contract with Tampa Bay for two years - $31 million. He became the highest paid player in the team ($13 million).

Photo provided by Tampa Bay Rays Club SNS

However, even after the opening of the season, the rehabilitation was not completed. There was a prospect of returning as early as May, but in the end, as most expected, it was not until July. It is fortunate that he was able to return before the end of the first half.

Kim Ha-sung, who returned in this background, was deployed as the 7th shortstop. It's a lower batting order, but it's a batting order that requires both accuracy and power. Of course, you have to defend well. I'm a shortstop, so I'm pretty frequent in dealing with outcounts. The key is how accurately and quickly you catch the ball and throw it to first base.

On this day, Tampa Bay formed the lineup in the order of Josh Law (right fielder), Yandy Díaz (designated hitter), Brandon Law (second baseman), Junior Caminero (third baseman), Jonathan Aranda (first baseman), Jake Mangum (left fielder), Kim Ha-sung (striker), Chandler Simpson (middle fielder), and Danny Jansen (catcher).

Kim Ha-sung, who made his debut in the Tampa Bay race. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Lace

In his first at-bat as a leadoff hitter in the top of the third inning, Kim Ha-sung only grounded out to second base. In the top of the fifth inning, he was also grounded out to the first base.

However, he showed off his robustness by hitting a clean left-handed hit against Brock Stewart, a changed pitcher in his third at-bat as a leadoff hitter in the top of the seventh inning. He then succeeded in stealing second base immediately during the subsequent Chandler Simpson at-bat. This steal is a scene that revealed that Kim Ha-sung has completely escaped from injury trauma. Kim Ha-sung had to rehabilitate for 11 months last year because he injured his shoulder while sliding head first. However, Kim Ha-sung did not shrink from these bad memories.

It was a great comeback to this scene. The problem came later.

Simpson, the follow-up hitter, walked to base and became the first and second base with no outs. The next batter, Danny Jensen, was out with a fly ball to shortstop, making it one out and first and second bases. Here, director Cash ordered an operation that he would not understand. He ordered the runners on the first and second bases to double steal.

You might have wanted to open a 1 point lead (2-1). However, second baseman Kim Ha-sung has just returned from a long rehabilitation. In fact, stealing second base alone was a bit of an unreasonable attempt. Still, it was Kim Ha-sung's choice.

However, it was a clear irrational move to order runner Kim Ha-sung to steal third base again. In the end, Kim Ha-sung was tagged out at third base. In addition, he was eventually replaced after suffering a cramp in his calf. Tampa Bay allowed one run with Josh Lowe's timely hit to the right with two outs and runners on second base. However, it is hard to say that this score was due to an unreasonable double steal attempt. As a result, it did not contribute to the team's victory. Tampa Bay allowed a tie with two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and then suffered a walk-off loss in the bottom of the ninth inning.

After the game, Kim Ha-sung said in an interview with MLB.COM that he had cramps in his right calf " (after stealing). I'll have to see the condition tomorrow, but I don't think it's going to be a big problem."

Coach Cash said "Kim Ha-sung was replaced by a calf problem, not his right shoulder. It's a minor injury. I hope it won't be too much of a problem." It's a situation where you've ordered a dangerous situation and you're hoping for a fluke. It would be a relief if the calf's condition improved quickly like the wishes of Kim Ha-sung and Coach Cash. However, if Kim Ha-sung injured his shoulder again, coach Cash will inevitably be criticized.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.