Kim Hye-seong of the LA Dodgers has sparked discussions about the possibility of heading to the minor leagues after playing just 3 games in Major League Baseball spring training. Kim went hitless in the game in which he appeared as a substitute, failing to change the atmosphere.

On the 26th (Korea time), when questioned about Kim Hye-seong's potential move to the minor leagues during a press interview before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, manager Dave Roberts neither confirmed nor denied.

First, manager Roberts said that Kim Hye-seong would appropriately play as both a second baseman and center fielder. He continued, noting the challenge of center field defense, which Kim lacks experience in, saying, "Since Kim Hye-seong is fast, I think it's much more reasonable for him to play center field. I watched him practice in the outfield a few days ago and briefly saw him play center field in a game; his movements and actions looked good. If he practices more, his chances of surviving on the Major League roster will increase."

Up until the day of the game, Kim Hye-seong had played in 3 games, recording 1 hit in 6 at-bats, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He had played defensively as a second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder.

A reporter covering the Dodgers asked manager Roberts, "Do you believe Kim Hye-seong needs to start the season in the minor leagues to adjust his offensive performance?"

Manager Roberts replied, "If there is one question mark, I would say it’s his hitting. The competition here is different from in Korea. He is adjusting his batting. We are implementing slight swing changes to help him adapt more easily and maintain his performance. He has bet on himself to compete here. He is currently competing for a spot. It’s still a work in progress."

He added, "(Regarding the decision on moving to the minors) there is no need to make a decision right now obviously. But I would say that if there’s one thing that we still question, it’s the bat."

After hearing Roberts's comments, Jack Harris, a reporter for the LA Times, noted, "Manager Rogers opened the possibility for Kim Hye-seong, who has been adjusting his swing since coming from Korea, to start the season in the minor leagues." He also reported that "Brandon Gumbs, Director General of the Dodgers, did not clarify his stance when asked where Kim Hye-seong would start the season."

In the exhibition game against Seattle on the 26th, Kim Hye-seong, who was excluded from the starting lineup, played as a substitute, going 0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts, and recorded one error in defense. He did not produce good results in hitting, which manager Roberts pointed out.

In the fourth inning, with one out, Kim Hye-seong came in as a pinch hitter for lead-off man Mookie Betts. The opposing pitcher was left-handed veteran Drew Pomeranz. The first pitch, a 92.8 mph fastball, resulted in a foul. The second pitch, a curveball at 82.2 mph, was a ball. On the third pitch, he hit a 92.7 mph fastball that sailed towards right-center field. The ball, which looked like a home run, fell short at the end, and the right fielder caught it on the warning track just in front of the fence. This was the best connection Kim Hye-seong had in the spring training games so far, but it was a disappointing moment.

In the seventh inning, with no outs and runners on first and second, Kim faced right-handed pitcher Gage Bum. After a ball (slider) on the first pitch, the catcher let a ball (cutter) slip behind him, allowing Kim to advance to second. He watched a series of 3 to 4 slider strikes. On a 2-ball, 2-strike count, he swung and missed on the fifth pitch, which was an inside cutter (88.9 mph), resulting in a strikeout.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing 3-11 with one out and runners on first and second, he struck out again against right-handed pitcher Brock Moore. The first pitch was a miss on an 88.8 mph cutter. The second pitch was a ball. He swung and missed again on the third pitch, a 79.1 mph curve. The fourth pitch was a ball cutter. The fifth pitch was a foul towards the first base dugout on a 90 mph cutter. The sixth pitch was a ball. On a full count, he lost balance and swung wildly on a low 89.5 mph cutter for another strikeout.

Meanwhile, playing as shortstop, Kim Hye-seong recorded an error in the eighth inning by dropping a routine grounder while trying to field it with his glove. He handled two subsequent ground balls and a line drive well.