Kim Hye-seong (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers has succeeded in his first stolen base in his Major League debut.
On the 5th (Korea time), Kim was substituted as a pinch runner in the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, recording one stolen base.
In the top of the 9th inning, trailing 3-4, the lead-off hitter Andy Pahes reached base with a hit, prompting Kim to be inserted as a pinch runner. Kim attempted to steal second base immediately despite being in a 1 ball 1 strike count with Will Smith at the plate, successfully stealing the base comfortably.
Smith checked his swing but struck out on a swinging strike, yet once again Kim's speed shone. Catcher Drake Baldwin failed to field the ball properly, resulting in a strikeout not out situation, and Baldwin threw to first base to try to catch Smith. Seizing the opportunity, Kim sprinted to third base and was called safe, creating a 1 out 3 base chance.
However, the Dodgers could not capitalize on the opportunity created by Kim. Miguel Rojas and Austin Barnes both struck out swinging, and Kim's first Major League score did not occur. The Dodgers lost 3-4.
Kim has a career batting average of .304 over 953 games in the KBO League (3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits), with 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, 211 stolen bases, and an OPS of .767, establishing himself as a leading infielder in the league. After the last season, he challenged for a Major League entry through the posting system and signed a maximum 3+2 year contract worth $22 million (about 30.4 billion won) with the Dodgers.
After succeeding in entering the Major League, Kim recorded a batting average of .270 over 15 games in spring training (29 at-bats, 6 hits), with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 6 runs, and 2 stolen bases, but ultimately began the season in Triple-A, not the Major League. Adjusting his hitting in the minor leagues while eyeing a call-up opportunity, Kim recorded a batting average of .252 over 28 games (115 at-bats, 29 hits), with 5 home runs, 19 RBIs, 22 runs, and 13 stolen bases.
With the injury to Tommy Edman, Kim received a call-up opportunity to the Major League, successfully debuting on the 4th as a defensive substitute. In the game on the 5th, he showcased his speed as a pinch runner, leaving a strong impression.
The U.S. media outlet Dodgers Blue noted, "The Dodgers view Kim Hye-seong as a long-term option. At this point, he may not have many starting opportunities," but added, "However, Kim has shown on ESPN national broadcasts how he can contribute to the team. He succeeded in stealing a base with incredible speed and advanced 90 feet while the throw was made to first base," praising Kim's base running.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Kim's base running, saying, "It was really amazing and exciting. Pitcher Iglesias is a very tricky pitcher to steal against. But Kim really got off to a great start and reached second base in a close play. The moment he got to third base was really significant. It really set the situation up favorably for the next at-bat. This is the advantage that Kim Hye-seong's speed brings to the team."
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