Hyeseong Kim may force the Los Angeles Dodgers’ hand during his first stint with the big league club.
The 26-year-old utility man had an impressive showing defensively and on the bases in limited time in his debut series against the Atlanta Braves. Kim then went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI and a stolen base in his first career start against the Miami Marlins on Monday.
“He just adds that spark to our ballclub,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
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The Dodgers recalled Kim on Saturday to replace the injured Tommy Edman. Los Angeles placed Edman on the 10-day injured list with right ankle inflammation.
Initially, Kim was expected to be sent back to the minor leagues after Edman returned. However, his performance thus far may have earned him a longer MLB stint.
Roberts said the organization has considered keeping Kim in MLB.
“It’s definitely a thought,” Roberts said. “I think with Hyeseong, with young players, there’s always that dynamic of what in the short term can help the long run, and certainly his skill set plays to that.”
Ultimately, the Dodgers have to decide if it would be wiser to allow Kim to develop in the minor leagues before making him a full-time big leaguer.
“But then also the longer term, giving him the repetitions, the opportunity, to take as many at-bats (in the minors), to play defense, to get acclimated to American baseball,” Roberts said. What kind of nets out most positive? And that’s kind of the discussion.”
In Triple-A, Kim is slashing .252/.328/.470 and has hit five home runs and 19 RBIs. He has also had the chance to gain experience in a variety of positions, including shortstop, second base, and center field.
If the Dodgers keep Kim on the MLB roster, he wouldn’t get everyday playing time — however, Teoscar Hernández’s injury has provided a potential runway.
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Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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