Infielder Ha-Seong Kim is being activated off the injured list and will join the Rays on Friday in Minneapolis.
Infielder Curtis Mead was optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room on the 26-man active roster. The Rays had an open spot on the 40-man roster because they designated pitcher Forrest Whitley for assignment last weekend. Whitley cleared waivers and was outrighted to Durham.
Kim, who signed with the Rays in February, has been recovering from right shoulder surgery since October. He spent the last four years with the Padres, and he was injured sliding back into first in a mid-August 2024 game.
Kim played 21 games with Triple-A Durham over two rehab stints, hitting .208 with a .602 OPS.
He played shortstop and second base for the Bulls, and could do both for the Rays.
Kim signed a two-year $29 million deal, slated to make $13 million this season and $16 million in 2026, though he has the option to opt out of the contract after this season.
Mead played in 47 games, hitting .225 with three homers, eight RBis and a .663 OPS.
Over four seasons in San Diego, Kim hit .242 with 47 homers, 200 RBIs and a .706 OPS over 540 games.
This story will be updated.
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