Overview
- The Rays reinstated Kim from the 60-day injured list and optioned infielder Curtis Mead to Triple-A Durham to open an active roster spot.
- Reliever Forrest Whitley cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Durham to create a vacancy on the 40-man roster for Kim.
- Kim signed a two-year, $29 million deal in February and will earn $13 million this season with a $16 million player option for 2026.
- He is scheduled to start at shortstop in Friday’s opener against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
- His return bolsters Tampa Bay’s infield defense and lineup energy during its 10-game road trip as the team pursues the AL East lead.