"It is completely incomprehensible that Kim Hye-sung continues to be overlooked.”
Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been applying an excessive platoon system to Kim Hye-sung, while Japanese media have also raised questions about Roberts' player usage.
The Japanese online media 'J-Cast' pointed out the issue of Kim Hye-sung's utilization on the 27th, citing 'Dodgers Way,' which reports on Dodgers news. As of the 27th, Kim Hye-sung has played in 35 games, boasting a batting average of .372 (29 hits in 78 at-bats), with 2 home runs, 12 RBIs, 15 runs scored, 6 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.948, yet he has hardly received opportunities to start.
Kim Hye-sung has been excluded from the starting lineup in all three games against the Colorado Rockies, which started on the 25th. In two games, he didn’t play at all, and in one game, he only played as a substitute in the 9th inning.
'J-Cast' pointed out that "Kim Hye-sung is losing opportunities because of the struggling outfielder Michael Conforto." Conforto has been underperforming this season with a batting average of .176, yet due to his $17 million (approximately 23 billion won) short-term contract, he continues to receive regular playing time from Manager Roberts. In contrast, Kim Hye-sung is thoroughly tied to a platoon system despite signing a 3-year contract worth $12.5 million (approximately 16.9 billion won).
'J-Cast' especially criticized that Kim Hye-sung is being deprived of playing opportunities despite his strong performance against left-handed pitchers. The media compared, stating, "Kim Hye-sung has a batting average of .750 and an OPS of 2.500 against left-handed pitchers, yet Manager Roberts excludes him from the starting lineup every time. In contrast, Conforto, another left-handed hitter, has a mere batting average of .214 and OPS of 0.639 against left-handers."
Kim Hye-sung has left a strong impression, to the extent of being mentioned as one of the candidates for National League Rookie of the Year this season. However, there is increasing criticism that the Dodgers' lineup management, which prioritizes "name value" over performance, is holding him back.
'J-Cast' concluded with, “If the Dodgers truly advocate 'meritocracy', Kim Hye-sung's ongoing neglect is unacceptable.”
Fans are also questioning Manager Roberts' player usage on social media, asking, "Why on earth are they not using Kim Hye-sung?" and stating, "He needs to be given opportunities to prove his skills."
On the 27th, Kim Hye-sung had to watch Shohei Ohtani's 28th home run from the bench.
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