The possibility of Kim Hye-sung (infielder), who is active in the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, being called up to the major leagues has been raised. However, Kim's agency stated that while there is a positive atmosphere, they have not received a promotion notice.
Kim, who signed a contract with the Dodgers for a maximum of $22 million over three-plus-two years, seemed likely to make the opening roster. Manager Dave Roberts also highly valued Kim's versatility.
Kim can play second base, shortstop, and even center field, with excellent BASS running being one of his strengths. However, his career batting average of .344 in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has not translated well in the major leagues.
He finished the preseason with a batting average of .270 (6 hits in 29 at-bats), 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 6 runs, and 2 stolen bases. It became necessary to adjust his batting form to survive in the major leagues, where pitchers throwing fastballs over 150 km/h are abundant.
Kim started this season in Triple-A instead of the Tokyo Series. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Kim's relegation to Triple-A was due to the need to adjust to the major league level of fast pitching, noting that his defense was not a problem.
As of the 7th (Korean time), he has appeared in 8 games, recording a batting average of .273 (9 hits in 33 at-bats), 6 RBIs, 7 runs, and 2 stolen bases. The American sports media Sports Illustrated raised the possibility of Kim's call-up to the major leagues while introducing a video from the Oklahoma City dugout on the 7th.
According to the social media video released by this media, Kim was seen hugging the manager and greeting teammates before a home game against the El Paso Chihuahuas, a minor league team affiliated with the San Diego Padres. This led to the conclusion that Kim had received a call-up to the major leagues.
It was likely. Outfielder Andy Pahes, who has a batting average of .118 (4 hits in 34 at-bats) and 3 runs, as well as making a ridiculous defensive error in the away game against the Philadelphia Phillies on the 7th, is expected to be demoted to Triple-A due to below-expectation performance.
This media raised the possibility of Kim's call-up to the major leagues, predicting that 'if Kim joins, he will play second base while Tommy Edman, who played second base, will move to center field.' However, Kim's agency, CAA, stated that they have not been informed by the team regarding any major league call-up.
Reports regarding Kim's call-up to the major leagues may turn out to be a mere episode, but the interest and expectations for him appear to be quite high.
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