Kim took part in fielding grounders Wednesday as he continues treatment for lower-back inflammation, with Rays manager Kevin Cash saying the team is “happy with the progression” the infielder has shown. The timeline remains encouraging, and Kim appears to be trending in the right direction toward a return. He is eligible to be activated from the 10-day injured list this Saturday and could be ready to go by then. In the meantime, Carson Williams has started at shortstop and shown promise, but the Rays could move to reinstall Kim as the primary option at the position once he’s back in the mix.
What this means going forward:
– Activation outlook: Saturday remains the target window, but the Rays will likely ease Kim back into action to avoid a setback.
– Role for Williams: Williams has delivered a strong start in Kim’s absence and could still contribute in a versatile role if Kim returns, potentially reducing Williams’ playing time.
– Defensive alignment: If Kim returns, the Rays could shift back to their preferred defensive arrangement at shortstop, with Kim taking over as the regular option.
Fantasy and lineup implications:
– Fantasy managers should monitor Kim’s status closely; if activated, expect him to reclaim regular at-bats at shortstop unless the Rays opt for a cautious, gradual return.
– Williams remains an appealing deeper-league option while filling in, but his upside could dip once Kim is back.
Summary: Kim’s progression from lower-back inflammation is ahead of schedule, with a possible return by the weekend. Williams has capitalized on the opportunity at shortstop, but the Rays’ plan likely centers on reintegrating Kim as the primary shortstop upon activation.