LA Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman announced on the 14th (Korea time) via the official WBC X (formerly Twitter) that he will participate in the 2025 World Baseball Classic (WBC) representing South Korea.
Edman, whose mother is Korean, was selected for the South Korean team in the last 2024 WBC. He recorded 2 hits and 2 RBIs with a batting average of .182 in 11 at-bats. South Korea unfortunately finished with 2 wins and 2 losses in the first round.
Meanwhile, Edman's recovery from a right ankle injury that has sidelined him from the team is slower than expected. As of now, the timing of his return remains uncertain.
According to a report by U.S. sports media Sports Illustrated, Edman injured his right ankle during a game against the Miami Marlins on April 30 and was sidelined. Edman's batting average this season is only .252 (28 hits in 111 at-bats), but he has showcased excellent power production with 8 home runs, along with 24 RBIs and 19 runs scored.
Fabian Ardaya, a reporter covering the Dodgers for U.S. sports media The Athletic, noted, "Edman is currently undergoing batting practice at the Dodgers training facility in Arizona, but his ankle condition is showing little signs of recovery." Manager Dave Roberts also stated, "It will take some time."
Sports Illustrated reported, "As Edman remains sidelined, Kim Hye-seong is stepping up. Kim Hye-seong has been called up to the major leagues after Edman's absence and has recorded a batting average of .318 with 2 RBIs."
Kim Hye-seong hit safely in back-to-back games against the Arizona Diamondbacks on the 11th and 12th. He was not included in the starting lineup against the Oakland Athletics on the 14th. Miguel Rojas will start at second base.
The media stated, "The absence of utility player Edman due to injury will be a significant blow to the Dodgers, but the opportunity for Kim Hye-seong to grow in the major leagues during this time is a silver lining."
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