The player with the lowest batting average in Major League Baseball is none other than Michael Conforto of the league's top team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Signed for $17 million (about 23 billion won) this year, Conforto is ranked 159th out of 159 players who have filled the minimum plate appearances, with a batting average of .176. It has gotten somewhat better, but not by much.
From the Dodgers' perspective, he is a starting player they invested a considerable amount of money in. They can only hope for him to improve. However, there is a player who may naturally suffer and see their position diminish during this process, and that player is Kim Hye-sung.
Despite limited playing opportunities, Kim Hye-sung is quietly preparing according to his routine. On the 25th (Korean time), he had an interview with the Dodgers' broadcasting partner, SportsNet LA, before the game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.
He said, "Whether I'm playing or not, I’ve been keeping up with the hitting routine I've been following since spring training. Although I'm not getting to play much, I'm practicing every day the same way to be ready to play. I have made some changes to my swing, but I am not satisfied with my performance in baseball. I feel like I need to work harder to get on base and hit in every at-bat."
Ultimately, Kim Hye-sung completely missed the game on the 25th and appeared as a defensive substitute in center field in the 9th inning on the 26th. He did not get a chance to bat and did not even get involved in fielding. The starting pitcher for Colorado was a right-handed pitcher both on the 25th and 26th. Kim Hye-sung's opportunities are limited even within the platoon system.
Local media outlet DodgerNation explained the situation, stating, "Kim Hye-sung is now emerging as a reliable option in both offense and defense. Edman is also capable of playing in the outfield. Conforto's standing could shrink rapidly."
However, the 'man in crisis,' Conforto, achieved back-to-back multi-hit games and home runs on the 25th and 26th. On the 25th, he went 2-for-5 with 1 home run and 3 RBIs, and on the 26th, he went 2-for-4 with 1 home run, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
After the game on the 25th, manager Dave Roberts told local reporters, "Conforto's current swing looks good and the quality of his at-bats has improved. He is handling fastballs well. Contributing offensively is certainly a good feeling for Conforto. We believe we are heading in the right direction now." He also communicated a message of pressure to Conforto. Roberts remarked, "I think Conforto is getting better. It’s clear that I have shown trust in him and that I've been giving him opportunities. However, as a team, we will continue to look for ways to improve. As the trade deadline approaches, this consideration will become more important. But Conforto needs to focus on improving a little every day without feeling this pressure. It is important to show good performance on the field."
As Conforto demonstrates his survival instincts, Kim Hye-sung's opportunities naturally decrease. Andy Phae has transformed from a roster competitor into an 'untouchable' starting player. Ultimately, it is an internal competition between Conforto and Kim Hye-sung, and since Conforto has been given the first opportunity, Kim Hye-sung is inevitably in an unfavorable position. Can Kim Hye-sung's situation really improve?
[OSEN]