Kim Hae-sung (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers has seized the opportunity to solidify his starting position. With the primary left fielder Michael Conforto (32) struggling with an intense batting slump and excluded from the starting lineup for two consecutive games, Kim has stepped in as a starter and increased his presence by batting hits in consecutive games.

On the 20th (Korean time), Kim Hae-sung started as the ninth batter and center fielder in the home game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, recording 1 hit in 4 at-bats and 1 RBI.

After hitting a double against San Diego on the 19th, Kim Hae-sung has now had hits in two consecutive games, raising his season batting average to .378 over 31 games with 28 hits in 74 at-bats, 2 home runs, 12 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .418, a slugging percentage of .541, and an OPS of .959.

Although it's still a small sample with fewer than 100 plate appearances, maintaining such a rate is impressive. Even though he is not a regular starter and opportunities come sporadically, he has continued to maintain good hitting form.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also acknowledged Kim Hae-sung's consistency. In an interview before the game against San Diego on the 19th, Manager Roberts praised, "Kim Hae-sung is doing really well. He is at an age where he has a lot of experience playing professionally in the KBO. Even if he plays two or three times a week, he is performing his role well."

Regarding the potential distribution of playing time with Conforto, Manager Roberts noted, "I still think Conforto will play more. However, based on performance-first principles, Kim Hae-sung has definitely shown that he deserves starting opportunities. He is working hard to secure consistent playing time and will decide on his appearances based on the flow of the game."

The ‘Sportsnet LA’ broadcast team, dedicated to covering the Dodgers, has not held back on praising Kim Hae-sung every time he steps to the plate. During the seventh inning, caster Joe Davis stated, "Kim Hae-sung has evolved into a power hitter after changing his swing," to which analyst Eric Karros, a 1992 National League (NL) Rookie of the Year with 284 career home runs, agreed, saying, "His response to inside pitches is good, and he knows how to pull the ball. There is no doubt about his power to clear the right field fence."

Karros added, "Kim Hae-sung got on base in a previous at-bat, creating an opportunity for the next batter, Shohei Ohtani. This is why it is beneficial for the team to have Kim Hae-sung batting ninth; he helps ensure good pitches come to Ohtani."

While Kim Hae-sung's primary position is second base, he has been gradually increasing his playing time in center field. If Conforto, who is struggling with a poor batting average of .168 and a salary of $17 million (about 23.3 billion won), is removed from the starting left fielder position, the Dodgers could rearrange their outfield lineup with left fielder Andy Pahes, center fielder Kim Hae-sung, and right fielder Teoscar Hernández. Adapting quickly to center field defense is key for Kim.

Kim Hae-sung faces a continuous series of challenges. Davis explained, "Kim is gaining defensive experience as a center fielder. In Korea, he only briefly played as an outfielder for one season. Addison Russell, a former All-Star infielder from the Chicago Cubs, played briefly as a left fielder when he came to Korea. This year is his first time playing center field."

In a conversation with Davis, Kim Hae-sung said, "Playing center field is really fun. I like being able to run around and utilize my speed. It feels athletic." However, he noted, "Finding the ball in the sunlight during day games is the hardest. Night games are fine." Karros remarked, "Especially on hot days, it’s not easy for fans wearing bright colors to identify fly balls against the bright background behind home plate," acknowledging the difficulties Kim faces in adapting.

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