Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his intention to give Kim Hye-sung (26) more opportunities in the future.

On the 19th (Korea time), Kim Hye-sung started as the eighth center fielder in the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, recording 1 hit and 1 run in 2 at-bats.

Although Kim Hye-sung, who is currently recording a batting average of .386 (27 hits in 70 at-bats), 2 home runs, 11 RBIs, 14 runs, and 6 stolen bases in 31 games this season, is performing well, he has not been able to participate in many games. This is because manager Roberts is thoroughly using Kim Hye-sung as a platoon against right-handed pitchers. Kim Hye-sung, who is a left-handed batter, has faced left-handed pitchers only 4 times.

In this game, Kim Hye-sung displayed power but was immediately substituted for a pinch hitter upon facing a left-handed pitcher. In the bottom of the 5th inning, with 1 out and runners on 1st base, Kim Hye-sung entered his second at-bat and hit a double against the 3rd pitch from Cole, clocking 92.2 mph (148.4 km/h). Following Kim Hye-sung's double, the opportunity with 1 out and runners on 2nd and 3rd was capitalized on by Dalton Rushing, who hit a 2-run double to turn the game around. Kim Hye-sung also scored a run.

During the 7th inning with 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Kim Hye-sung returned for his third at-bat but was substituted for pinch hitter Enrique Hernández when the left-handed relief pitcher Wandi Peralta replaced the pitcher. Hernández was caught out on a line drive to right field, and Rushing drew a walk, but Ohtani struck out swinging for no runs to score. The Dodgers clinched a walk-off victory with a home run by Will Smith in the 9th inning, winning 4-3 and extending their winning streak to 5 games.

With Kim Hye-sung receiving limited opportunities, manager Roberts hinted at a desire to use him more actively. The Japanese media Sports Nippon Annex reported, 'Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about Kim Hye-sung, who started as the eighth center fielder for the first time in 4 games, during an interview before the home game against the Padres.'

Roberts noted, 'Kim Hye-sung has been showing outstanding performance. He has gained considerable at-bat experience in the KBO League, so he is adapting well to a pace of playing 2 to 3 times a week,' evaluating Kim Hye-sung's performance in Major League Baseball positively. He continued, 'For now, I want to keep giving (Conforto) chances to play. However, Kim Hye-sung is producing better results. I plan to give him a number of opportunities above a certain level,' suggesting that Kim Hye-sung's chances to play may increase.

The Dodgers boast one of the most solid rosters in Major League Baseball. In particular, the infield positions are firmly secured with first baseman Freddie Freeman, second baseman Tommy Edman, shortstop Mookie Betts, and third baseman Max Muncy. For Kim Hye-sung to participate in more games, he must demonstrate his ability to play as a center fielder. On the day manager Roberts expressed his intention to give more opportunities, Kim Hye-sung hit a double, making a significant impression.

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