Actually, the last chance? Kim Hye-sung needs a hard hit to start the 9th shortstop against Seattle

Mar 08, 2025

Actually, the last chance? Kim Hye-sung needs a hard hit to start the 9th shortstop against Seattle
Los Angeles Dodgers Kim Hye-sung, who was listed in the starting lineup for the first time in a long time against the Seattle Mariners on the 8th (Korea Standard Time), has few chances left. AP Yonhap News



Actually, the last chance? Kim Hye-sung needs a hard hit to start the 9th shortstop against Seattle
Kim Hye-sung is playing an exhibition game as second baseman and shortstop. AP Yonhap News
I think it's actually the last chance.

LA Dodgers' Kim Hye-sung was listed in the starting lineup as the ninth shortstop in an away exhibition game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona on the 8th (Korea time).

It is his 11th appearance in this exhibition game. It is the first time in four games since the San Francisco Giants game on the 2nd. Kim Hye-sung has started four times and replaced six times in the past 10 games.




On this day, the Dodgers put second baseman Tommy Edman as the leadoff and lined up left fielder Michael Confoto, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, center fielder Kike Hernandez, catcher Austin Barnes, third baseman Chris Taylor, designated hitter James Outman, first baseman Michael Chavis and shortstop Kim Hye-sung.

Major hitters such as Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and Max Muncy remained in Glendale for individual training in the away game. It can be seen as the background of Kim Hye-sung's opportunity to start.

That's why Kim Hye-sung's hit is still far from the normal track the club expected. He has a batting average of 0.143 (3 hits in 21 at-bats), one home run, one RBI, three runs, three walks, eight strikeouts, and an OPS of 0.536. He is still struggling with his ability to guess, which was considered an advantage, and his mobility does not stand out because there are few on-base hits. However, it is highly praised that there are two safe infield hits at first base after hitting a ground ball.




Actually, the last chance? Kim Hye-sung needs a hard hit to start the 9th shortstop against Seattle
Kim Hye-sung is remodeling his batting form, which he takes slightly without raising his right foot when hitting. AP Yonhap News
Kim Hye-sung is renovating her batting form. He is honing his batting method of taking a slight step without lifting his right leg when swinging back. It was at the recommendation of the Dodgers. It is a measure to increase the accuracy and fly a lot of 'barrel'.

Manager Dave Roberts said, `Kim Hye-sung has become more comfortable at bat,' but he is still adjusting. Roberts still hasn't ruled out Kim Hye-sung's possibility to play in the minor leagues. This is because if you need time to adapt to the new batting form, you have no choice but to send it down to the minor leagues. Kim Hye-sung also seems to be preparing for this.

If Kim Hye-sung is not included in the opening roster, Roberts's plan is to see the second baseman as Edman, a domestic and foreign utility, and to use Outman or Andy Pazs in center field, depending on the situation, according to local media.




To sum up the situation so far, Kim Hye-sung is expected to accompany the Tokyo Series, the opening two consecutive games against the Chicago Cubs from the 18th to the 19th. However, it is unclear whether it will be included in the opening roster that will be submitted ahead of the opening game. The same situation could happen as San Diego Padres Ko Woo-seok was excluded ahead of the Seoul opening series against the Dodgers in March last year.

There are not many opportunities left to increase Roberts' trust. If he continues to hit little against Seattle on the same day, his chances of going to the minor leagues will be even higher.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.