Kim Hye-seong, who was just called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it can be perceived that there is not much time left as a 'limited-time major leaguer', he is showcasing his brilliant instincts and talent in the given situation.

On the 5th (Korean time), Kim Hye-seong replaced as a pinch runner in the 9th inning during the game against the Atlanta Braves held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kim Hye-seong got the opportunity for a big league call-up when Korean-American utility player Tommy Edman was placed on the injured list (IL) due to a right ankle injury. He was called up on the 4th and was not included in the starting lineup but made his Major League debut as a defensive substitute.

The following day on the 5th, Kim Hye-seong was not included in the starting lineup. However, he made a strong impression by appearing as a pinch runner in the 9th inning while trailing 3-4. The lead-off hitter, Andy Pahes, reached base with an infield hit, creating an opportunity.

Manager Dave Roberts inserted Kim Hye-seong as a pinch runner. Atlanta closer Raisel Iglesias was on the mound. The Dodgers also brought in Will Smith as a pinch hitter. On a 1 ball, 1 strike count, Kim Hye-seong took off on the third pitch, quickly reaching second base. It was his first successful stolen base in the Major Leagues, becoming the tying runner at second with nobody out.

After that, Will Smith was struck out on a swing and missed. It was a no-out situation. At that moment, Atlanta catcher Drake Baldwin threw to first base, and taking advantage of that, Kim Hye-seong rushed to third base, securing a chance with one out, runners on second and third. The Dodgers created an opportunity to tie the game. However, with one out and runners on second and third, Miguel Rojas and Austin Barnes both struck out in succession, preventing Kim Hye-seong from scoring.

Although the game was lost, Manager Dave Roberts did not hold back his praise for Kim Hye-seong's baserunning in the 9th inning. Roberts noted about the 9th-inning situation, "It was really impressive and exciting," adding, "Pitcher Iglesias is a very difficult pitcher to steal against. But Kim Hye-seong got an excellent start and reached second base well despite the close play," evaluating Kim Hye-seong's first stolen base.

The moment he reached third base was also astonishing. He said, "The next moment of reaching third base was really significant. It made the situation at the plate very favorable," and added, "This is the advantage that Kim Hye-seong's speed brings to the team."

Manager Roberts, who was somewhat anxious, humorously remarked, "I just hoped Kim Hye-seong would reach third base," adding, "That was purely instinctive play by Kim Hye-seong. The timing at which he could take off like that demonstrated that he is an exceptionally instinctive player. This is also a part that we need to learn more about as we continue playing games."

Although he hasn't even stepped to the plate yet, Kim Hye-seong has left a strong impression of his exceptional athletic ability on Manager Roberts. North American sports media outlet The Athletic described, "Although Kim Hye-seong hasn’t even gotten to his first at-bat in the Major Leagues, he showcased impressive play that nearly tied the game. He successfully stole second base in just 4.31 seconds from first. When Smith struck out and the ball got away, Kim Hye-seong took the opportunity to dash to third base at the moment Baldwin threw to first. Kim Hye-seong slid into third, avoiding the tag, a step faster than the throw."

It was just the kind of performance the Dodgers expected from Kim Hye-seong at the time of his signing. They needed a player to compensate for the athletic ability missing from a veteran-heavy roster, and that player was Kim Hye-seong. He proved that he can impact the game without swinging the bat.

Miguel Rojas, who had the chance with one out and a runner on third but did not capitalize on it, also expressed regret. In an interview with The Athletic, he said, "Kim Hye-seong came out from the bench and made a really great stolen base, but I wasn't able to take advantage of that."

There is a high possibility that Kim Hye-seong will be sent back to the minor leagues when Edman returns from the injured list. However, if he continues to leave a strong impression like he did that day in the limited opportunities, the Dodgers' thoughts may change.

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