LA Dodgers' Kim Hye-seong showcased his value in just three games. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was thoroughly impressed with Kim's charm. Even if injured players return, it has been conveyed that Kim will not go back to Triple-A and has hopes of remaining in Major League Baseball.
On the 8th, Kim Hye-seong started as the 8th centerfielder in a game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, collecting 2 hits, 1 run batted in, and 1 run from 4 at-bats.
Kim Hye-seong faced Miami right-handed starter Valente Veloso, going down in his first two at-bats. Leading off in the third inning, he attempted to hit a 78.4 mph sweeper but was out on a ground ball to first base. In the fifth inning, with two outs, he hit a 92.3 mph four-seam fastball, but the centerfielder caught the fly ball. Although it was a hard hit with a velocity of 96.6 mph (155.5 km/h) and a launch angle of 20 degrees, it was disappointing that it went directly to the centerfielder.
In a tense late-game situation, Kim Hye-seong recorded a multi-hit game. In the seventh inning, leading 1-0, with one out and runners on first and second, he drove in a run with a clutch hit against right-handed pitcher Lake Vachhar. Demonstrating good bat control, he hit a low slider (87.3 mph) through the gap between first and second base. Following Kim's clutch hit, the Dodgers scored big, extending the lead to 7-0.
In the top of the eighth inning, with one out and a runner on first, Kim Hye-seong faced right-handed pitcher Roni Hernandez, hitting an 86.5 mph sweeper for a hit that landed in front of the right fielder. He created a scoring opportunity with runners on first and second, but Barnes and Ohtani both went down on fly balls to the outfield, failing to convert it into a run.
Due to Tommy Edman's injury, Kim Hye-seong was called up from Triple-A on the 4th. Manager Roberts noted, 'I will see if I can give him starting opportunities depending on the situation.' In his first two games, he was used as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning and as a pinch runner in the ninth inning.
On the 6th, he made his first start as a second baseman in an away game against Miami. Kim Hye-seong had an outstanding debut with 2 hits, 1 run batted in, 1 run, and 1 stolen base from 4 at-bats. On the 7th against Miami, he recorded 1 hit and 1 run from 4 at-bats. After his hit, he experienced a pickoff attempt at first but showed explosive speed on the bases to score. On the 8th, he recorded another multi-hit game and a crucial run batted in. In the three-game series against Miami, he went 5 for 14, batting .417.
After the game on the 8th, Manager Roberts praised Kim Hye-seong, stating, 'He’s very impressive. He has a unique feel at the plate. I like his swing and dynamic speed. He's a type of player we don't see on our team. I also like his focus and energy.' He added, 'He will also participate in tomorrow's (9th) game,' referring to the starting appearance against Arizona.
Even after Edman's return, it is possible that Kim Hye-seong will remain on the Dodgers' roster. U.S. media outlet Sports Illustrated reported on the 8th that 'Edman could return as early as this weekend during the road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Manager Roberts noted that it's more likely he will return after the Arizona series. He also mentioned that the Dodgers plan to keep Kim in the big leagues even after Edman's return.'
Kim Hye-seong underwent a swing adjustment during the Dodgers' spring camp, and while playing in Triple-A, he has become accustomed to his new swing form. He is now producing good results. Kim brings energy to the Dodgers as a utility player in addition to his speed and sense for base running and defense as a second baseman and shortstop. This is the exact image the Dodgers hoped for when they signed Kim to a 3-year, $12.5 million contract.
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