The presence of Kim Hye-sung (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers has remarkably increased. The commentator also expressed disappointment that a bunt was called right from the first pitch with Kim on base.

On the 11th (Korea time), Kim Hye-sung started as the 8th batter and center fielder in an away game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, recording 1 hit in 3 at-bats. His season batting average rose slightly from .313 to .316 (6 hits in 19 at-bats). The Dodgers lost 0-3.

It has only been a week since Kim Hye-sung joined Major League Baseball, but he has made a strong impression with his speed in a short period, and discussions about his base running continued on this day.

On this day, Kim faced reigning National League (NL) Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million free-agent contract last winter, and hit a ground ball to second base in his first at-bat in the third inning with no outs and a runner on first base. As the lead runner was out, Kim advanced to first base.

Although the batter was Shohei Ohtani, Burnes seemed to be concerned about Kim on first base, throwing a pick-off throw before his first pitch. After throwing a couple of balls on the first and second pitches, he violated the league's pick-off rule by throwing consecutive pick-off attempts before his third pitch. Since the introduction of the pitch clock in 2023, a pitcher is allowed only two pick-off attempts during a single at-bat, and if a third attempt is made without a successful out, it is recognized as a balk.

Steven Nelson, the caster for the Dodgers' dedicated broadcaster SportsNet LA, explained, "The third pick-off attempt failed, and Kim Hye-sung automatically advances to second base. After two pick-off attempts, they needed to get Kim out on their next attempt; otherwise, it would result in an automatic advance."

Eric Karros, a former rookie of the year and commentator with 284 career home runs, analyzed, "First base was open, and they threw two balls to Ohtani. They had no intention of giving Ohtani a good pitch, and they were trying to see if they could get the rookie on first base. Everyone might think it was a mistake, but they had no intention of pitching to Ohtani. I wouldn't have thrown to him either," suggesting it was a deliberate balk.

After falling behind in the count with consecutive balls on the first and second pitches, Burnes attempted consecutive pick-off throws, but Kim's quick return prevented any issues. With two outs and a runner on second, Burnes threw an outside ball completely outside on his third pitch to Ohtani and then intentionally walked him to fill first base. He then retired Mookie Betts with a fly ball to center field, ending the inning. Burnes achieved his second win of the season (1 loss) with 7 innings pitched, allowing 5 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 5 without allowing a run.

In the fifth inning, Kim Hye-sung hit a curveball that was right down the middle on Burnes’ second pitch, resulting in a single. As Kim reached first base, Karros noted, "There is a high possibility that Kim will attempt to steal a base," creating excitement for the base running play, but the next batter, Austin Barnes, sacrificed bunted the first pitch, changing the situation to one out and a runner on second.

Karros stated, "From a team perspective, it was a good play, but a bunt on the first pitch is disappointing. It was an opportunity for Kim to steal a base. Burnes was the pitcher who allowed the most stolen bases (41) last year," expressing his disappointment that Kim did not have the chance to attempt a steal against the fast Kim Hye-sung due to Burnes’ slow slide step. In the continued situation with one out and a runner on second, both Ohtani and Betts were retired on ground balls to second base, preventing Kim from scoring.

There were still challenges for Kim when playing center field. Following the start in the second game of the season against the Miami Marlins on the 8th, Kim faced two fly outs but there were also two balls that went over his head.

In the bottom of the third inning, Corbin Carroll's line drive to left-center at 105.1 mph (169.1 km/h) was well tracked, but it hit his glove and fell. Karros remarked, "It was a well-hit ball by Carroll, but I thought Kim would catch it. He had a good start but missed it."

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Ketel Marte sent another ball on a similar path. It was a ball thrown at 108.5 mph (174.6 km/h), but Kim's judgment on the ball was disappointing. He stepped forward but moved sideways, and was late in chasing the ball from behind, resulting in it going over his head. This was a ball that a professional center fielder could have caught.

Karros stated, "He took a step forward, moved two or three steps sideways, and then went back. It was the same during Carroll’s hit in the third inning; at the big league level, you cannot just catch it with speed," further emphasizing that, "This is now the time to gain experience. Players need to find out what they can do. It might not work well at first, but they need to be given the opportunity to grow. The Dodgers will make it to the postseason. No one can say they won't. Therefore, now is the time to find out what players can do. Kim Hye-sung needs time to adapt."

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