Is this why Kim Hae-seong chose the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers? The day has come when Kim Hae-seong will play alongside Clayton Kershaw, the heart and symbol of the Dodgers.
Major League Baseball's official website, MLB.com, reported on the 16th (Korean time) that Dodgers left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to pitch 2 innings for the Oklahoma City Dodgers in a game against the Tacoma RAYs, a Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on the 17th.
The 'living legend' Kershaw's upcoming rehab start is his first official game since being substituted in the 2nd inning due to pain in his left big toe during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in August last year. Kershaw did not participate in the Dodgers' World Series championship and underwent surgery on his toe and left knee in November.
While Kershaw has quickly recovered from his knee, his toe injury has not improved significantly, prolonging his rehabilitation. In an interview last week, Kershaw noted, "I am ready to throw, but it's a tricky situation. My toe is not fully recovered yet, and I can't put full force into my pitching motion. I will only be able to show 100% performance when I feel my toe has fully strengthened."
Fortunately, Kershaw's toe condition has improved during recent live batting practice. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, "Kershaw's velocity has risen in his recent outings. Ultimately, the last puzzle piece is his toe. Only when the push-off motion using the toe stabilizes can we complete the puzzle."
With Kershaw's appearance in Triple-A on the 17th confirmed, attention is also focused on his first meeting with Kim Hae-seong. Kim Hae-seong, who is aiming for a promotion to the big leagues from the Oklahoma City Dodgers, recorded 1 hit and 2 strikeouts in 5 at-bats against Tacoma that day, causing his Triple-A batting average to slightly drop from .290 to .284. He has succeeded in hitting in four consecutive games, and it will be interesting to see if he can assist Kershaw on the mound on the 17th.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner Kershaw is entering his 18th season with the Dodgers in the major leagues this year. His career record stands at 432 games with 212 wins, 94 losses, and an earned run average of 2.50 (2,742⅔ innings and 762 earned runs), with just 32 strikeouts remaining until he reaches the milestone of 3,000 career strikeouts.
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