Why was this player called up only now? Kim Hye-sung is fully utilizing his opportunity as a starter for three consecutive games, aiming for a position on the roster of the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers.

On the 8th (Korea time), Kim Hye-sung (Los Angeles Dodgers) started as the eighth center fielder in the away game against the Miami Marlins in the 2025 Major League at Londepo Park in Miami, Florida, and contributed to the team's 10-1 victory with 2 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run in 4 at-bats.

Since his starting debut on the 6th, Kim Hye-sung has played in three consecutive games as a starter. His first two at-bats were outs. In the top of the third inning, he led off with a groundout to first base with the score still tied at 0-0, and then recorded a flyout to center field in the top of the fifth with two outs and no runners on base.

The third at-bat was different. In the top of the seventh, leading 1-0 with a scoring chance of runners on first and second and one out, Kim Hye-sung watched the first pitch strike from right-hander Lake Batcher before connecting with the second pitch, a low 87.3 mph (140 km/h) slider, for a go-ahead RBI single to right field. This was the moment he recorded hits in three consecutive games.

Taking advantage of a relay play, Kim Hye-sung advanced to second base after reaching third on a walk by Mookie Betts, then scored on Freddie Freeman's three-RBI triple, marking his third consecutive game with a score. The Dodgers scored six runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on Kim Hye-sung's timely hit.

Kim Hye-sung's bat did not stop. In the top of the eighth, leading 7-0 with one out and a runner on first, he hit a single to right field, achieving his second multi-hit game of the season in just his last two games since the game against Miami on the 6th. He successfully targeted the fifth pitch, a low 86.5 mph (139 km/h) sweeper from Ronnie Enriquez. However, Austin Barnes and Shohei Ohtani both made outs in succession, ending the inning.

Thanks to his multi-hit performance, Kim Hye-sung significantly raised his batting average from .375 to .417. In the five games since being called up to the Major League on the 4th, he has showcased his presence with 5 hits in 12 at-bats, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs.

After the game, Kim Hye-sung shared his thoughts in an interview with the local media, saying, "I'm still not comfortable with life in the big leagues, but it’s improved compared to the first day. I trained as the team instructed and the results are good." He added, "I always say that I'm not a home run hitter. The team doesn’t expect home runs from me. I’m a hitter who needs to get on base. I’ll focus on reaching base."

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager who had previously notified Kim Hye-sung of his demotion to the minor leagues, has changed his perspective. Manager Roberts noted, "Kim Hye-sung is really impressive. He has a unique hitting style based on outstanding contact ability. We haven’t had a player like him on our team before. His speed and dynamism are impressive," and expressed confidence that he will be seen in tomorrow's game as well.

The local Los Angeles media outlet, the LA Times, also highlighted Kim Hye-sung's performance, stating, "After one out in the top of the sixth, James Outman, who came in as a pinch hitter, earned a walk, and Kiké Hernández hit a single, resulting in Kim Hye-sung hitting a timely shot through the right infield to earn an RBI. Kim Hye-sung, who also recorded a multi-hit game, has been impressive since his major league call-up last week, with 5 hits in 12 at-bats."

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