“Comet is heading to the big leagues!”
Major League Baseball's official website MLB.com reported on the 4th (Korean time) the news of Kim Hye-sung's promotion to the major leagues.
MLB.com quoted a statement from the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying, “Infielder Kim Hye-sung has been promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City to the Los Angeles Dodgers for his major league debut. Kim Hye-sung's name means 'comet.'”
The Dodgers listed super utility player Tommy Edman, who had been alternating between infield and outfield, on the injured list. Edman was sidelined with a right ankle inflammation.
MLB.com noted, “Kim Hye-sung made his U.S. debut after spending eight seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). He recorded a batting average of over .300 every season from 2021 to 2024 and achieved over 20 stolen bases for seven consecutive seasons.”
The article also detailed Kim Hye-sung's Triple-A career. It explained, “After signing a 3-year contract worth $12.5 million with the Dodgers last January, he headed to Oklahoma City. Interestingly, Oklahoma City named their team the Comets to honor the late legend Mickey Mantle, known as the 'Commerce Comet,' and Kim Hye-sung, meaning 'comet,' was part of this team.”
It added, “Kim Hye-sung played in 27 games at Triple-A, posting a .257 batting average, an OPS of .801, and 14 extra-base hits. He had a total of eight multi-hit games, and on April 13, he hit multiple home runs in a game against Round Rock.”
Should Kim Hye-sung take the field today, he will become the 28th Korean Re player in history. Since Park Chan-ho in 1994, 27 Korean players have played at the major league level, including Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) last year.
Meanwhile, Kim Hye-sung will start the game from the bench in today's away game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Dodgers set their starting lineup, which includes Shohei Ohtani (designated hitter), Mookie Betts (shortstop), Freddie Freeman (first baseman), Teoscar Hernández (right fielder), Will Smith (catcher), Max Muncy (third baseman), Andy Pahés (center fielder), Michael Conforto (left fielder), and Chris Taylor (second baseman). The starting pitcher is Sasaki Roku.
The Dodgers are currently leading the National League West with a record of 22 wins and 10 losses.
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