Kim Hye-seong (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers showcased his competitiveness with impressive defensive plays as a shortstop.
On the 3rd (Korea time), Kim Hye-seong started as the No. 9 shortstop in a game against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, recording 2 hits and 1 stolen base in 4 at-bats. Kim Hye-seong, who performed well in offense, defense, and running, has a batting average of .400 (21 hits in 50 at-bats), 2 home runs, 7 RBIs, 13 runs scored, and 5 stolen bases in 23 games this season, with an OPS of 1.033.
This season, Kim Hye-seong has played various positions, including second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder, predominantly as a second baseman with 15 games and 78 innings played. Next, he played 5 games (29 innings) as a center fielder. He also played 5 games as a shortstop, but his defensive innings were significantly less at 19 innings. The shortstop position is the most demanding defensively, especially with the starting shortstop Mookie Betts.
However, after Betts suffered a freak injury by hitting his toe against furniture while going to the bathroom on the night of the 31st of last month, he briefly left the lineup, giving Kim Hye-seong an opportunity. Kim Hye-seong made impressive defensive plays in both the game against the Yankees on the 1st and on this day.
In the game on the 1st, Kim Hye-seong started as the No. 9 shortstop. In the top of the 3rd inning with no outs and runners on 1st and 2nd, Kim Hye-seong caught a line drive hit by Horvit Bibas and turned it into a double play as the runner on 2nd base, Austin Wells, slid into second. The initial call was safe, but it was overturned after video review. In this game, he recorded 4 hits, 1 home run, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and 1 walk, performing impressively at the plate.
On the 2nd, Kim Hye-seong was excluded from the starting lineup and only recorded 1 at-bat with no hits, but he returned to the starting lineup for the game against the Mets on the 3rd. He also showed good defense in this game, catching a sharp line drive hit by Pete Alonso with 2 outs in the top of the 1st inning. According to the official Major League Baseball statistics site, Baseball Savant, the exit velocity was 104.4 mph (168.0 km/h) and the expected batting average was .760, but Kim Hye-seong successfully snagged the ball with quick movement and concentration.
During his time with the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO League, Kim Hye-seong gained experience as a shortstop. He won the shortstop Golden Glove in 2021 but recorded the most errors in the league with 29. Subsequently, Kiwoom changed Kim Hye-seong's position to second base, which helped him develop into one of the league's top infielders.
The Dodgers also view Kim Hye-seong's primary position as second base. However, they also highly value his potential as a shortstop and center fielder, consistently providing him opportunities and conducting tests. Although there are occasionally disappointing plays in the unfamiliar center field position, many scenes highlight Kim Hye-seong's potential as a shortstop.
The Dodgers, who want to develop Kim Hye-seong into a super utility player, appear satisfied with his recent performances. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised him in an interview with game broadcasters on the 1st, saying, "Kim Hye-seong has solid fundamentals, is fast, and plays defense well. Above all, he is a really strong and tenacious player."
Fans have high expectations for what kind of amazing plays Kim Hye-seong, who is showing performances beyond expectations, will showcase in the remaining season.
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