LA Dodgers' Kim Hyesung remained in Major League Baseball despite the return of injured players. A bright future lies ahead.
On the 20th (Korean time), LA Dodgers activated outfielder Teoscar Hernández from the injured list. To create space for Teoscar, outfielder James Outman was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Kim Hyesung will remain with the Dodgers.
The previous day (19th), the Dodgers released veteran Chris Taylor via designated for assignment (DFA). This was due to Tommy Edman's return from the injured list, leading to Taylor's release.
With Edman and Teoscar returning, there will be no roster adjustments for the Dodgers for the time being. This means that Kim Hyesung will continue to play in Major League Baseball.
This comes after Kim Hyesung was called up to the big league and performed remarkably in 14 games. The Dodgers could have sent Kim Hyesung and Outman back to Triple-A once Edman and Teoscar returned from the injured list. However, by releasing Taylor, whose salary is $15 million, the Dodgers ensured that Kim Hyesung remains in the big leagues.
ESPN reported on the 19th that "the decision to release Taylor is interpreted as a signal that Korean rookie second baseman Kim Hyesung will stay in Major League Baseball even if Teoscar Hernández is soon activated from the injured list." On the 20th, the Dodgers activated Teoscar and sent Outman to minor league Triple-A, making ESPN's prediction a reality.
Since his call-up, Kim Hyesung has recorded a batting average of .452 (14 hits in 31 at-bats) with 1 home run, 5 RBIs, 2 walks, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.066 over 14 games. Notably, he set a record of reaching base in 9 consecutive plate appearances from the game against the Athletics on the 15th to the game against the Angels on the 17th. This is the first time a Dodgers rookie has reached base in 9 consecutive plate appearances since Corey Seager in September 2015.
Manager Dave Roberts praised him, saying, "It seems like Kim Hyesung has a magic wand."
Kim Hyesung was excluded from the starting lineup in consecutive games against the LA Angels on the 18th and 19th because the Angels had left-handed pitchers Tyler Anderson and Yusei Kikuchi starting on those days.
Manager Roberts is utilizing Kim Hyesung as a platoon player depending on the handedness of the starting pitcher. The Dodgers have switch-hitter Tommy Edman returning from the injured list, along with right-handed hitters like Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas who are contributing as utility players.
The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series starting on the 20th. Arizona will have Brandon Pfaadt, Ryan Nelson, and Corbin Burnes as starting pitchers in the series, all right-handed. After being excluded from the starting lineup for two consecutive games, Kim Hyesung may receive an opportunity to start in all three games.
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