LA Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim (26) is increasing his presence with quick adaptability since making his Major League debut. Despite his small stature, he is capturing attention with his muscular physique and innate athletic ability.
On the 8th (Korean time), Hyeseong Kim started as the eighth batter and center fielder in an away game against the Miami Marlins at Rondipo Park in Miami, Florida, for the 2025 Major League season, recording 2 hits and 1 RBI in 4 at-bats, contributing to the Dodgers' 10-1 victory.
With a 1-0 lead in the seventh inning and one out with runners on first and second, Hyeseong Kim hit a 1-RBI single to right field off right-handed pitcher RAY Bacher's second pitch, then connected for a single to right field off right-handed pitcher Ronny Enriquez's fifth pitch with one out and a runner on first in the eighth inning, achieving a multi-hit game.
In defense, after making his first start as a center fielder, he handled 2 pop-outs and 1 line drive out. In the seventh inning, he moved to second base and recorded 1 ground ball out, but he made a throwing error in the ninth inning. He attempted to catch a ball that went over pitcher Ronny Simon's head and made a running throw, but it went wide. This was his first error in Major League.
However, the team's big win overshadowed the error, and Hyeseong Kim has shown impressive performance as a starter for three consecutive games. After 5 games, his batting average stands at .417 (5 hits in 12 at-bats), with 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, no walks, 1 strikeout, 2 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of .417, slugging percentage of .417, and an OPS of .833. Although he hasn't yet recorded a home run or walk, he has displayed potential as a utility player, covering three positions: second base (4 games, 2 starts, 20 innings), center field (1 game, 1 start, 6 innings), and shortstop (1 game, 2 innings).
Jake Mintz, a Major League analyst for the U.S. 'Yahoo Sports,' also positively evaluated Hyeseong Kim while covering the Dodgers that day. Mintz noted, 'The Dodgers knew it would take time for Kim to adjust to American pitchers when they signed him from the KBO last winter. It was no surprise that he started the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City, but after being called up on the 4th due to Tommy Edman's injury, he showed good form with 5 hits in 12 at-bats during the three-game series in Miami.'
He continued, 'Hyeseong Kim's versatility and base-running ability in defense as a second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder are also among his strengths. If he continues to grow based on his strong first impression, he could remain with the team longer than expected. When Edman returns, he might move to the bench. It’s still early, but he's doing his part so far.'
Mintz also remarked, 'This week in Miami, I was impressed by Hyeseong Kim's physique. His outstanding athletic ability, reminiscent of an NFL slot receiver style, makes him muscular and agile. Although he is short at 178 cm, he can still generate power.'
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, also expressed his admiration for Hyeseong Kim after the game, saying, 'I am truly impressed. His atypical at-bats, swings, and ability to make contact with the ball, along with his speed, are impressive. He possesses a concentration that we did not have on our team and has great energy. He will also be starting in tomorrow's game (9th) against the Arizona Diamondbacks.'
Utility player Edman, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on the 4th due to a right ankle injury, will retroactively be eligible for roster return starting on the 1st and could return for the game against Arizona on the 11th. However, Roberts noted, 'There is a high likelihood he will return after the Arizona series,' adding, 'Even when Edman returns, we plan to keep Hyeseong Kim in the big leagues.' Outfielder Teoscar Hernández's left quadriceps injury has also increased opportunities for Hyeseong Kim, as he was placed on the injured list on the 7th. When Edman returns, outfielder James Outman is expected to be sent down to the minor leagues.
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