Kim Hye-sung, the first timely hit who waited for 13 games, hit a batting average of 0.333 in 7G in March, and turned on the green light on the opening roster

Mar 10, 2025

LA Dodgers Kim Hye-sung hit his first timely hit in the exhibition game against Athletics on the 10th (Korea time) to show off that his adaptability has improved. AP Yonhap News

Los Angeles Dodgers Kim Hye-sung, who is on the verge of eliminating the roster, has set up a dramatic turning point.

Kim Hye-sung played as a substitute in the home exhibition game against the Athletics at Glendale Camelback Ranch in Arizona on the 10th (Korea Standard Time) and showed off her perfect batting by hitting one hit, two RBIs and one walk in one at-bats.

Kim Hye-sung, who replaced shortstop in defense at the top of the sixth inning when trailing 3-6, exploded a timely hit in his first at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Dodgers created a bases-loaded opportunity with a walk by David Bodie after one out in the seventh inning, a hit by Chris Taylor to the right, and a walk by pinch-hitter Dalton Rushing after two outings.

Kim Hye-sung then entered the batter's box for the first time on the day. The opposing pitcher is Mitchell Ohtanez, a 27-year-old right-handed fastball.

Kim Hye-sung hit a 97.1 mile (156.3km) fastball on the high course of the seventh pitch, and connected it with a hit that fell in front of center field, bringing two runners home.

Kim Hye-sung, who fouled out the fourth and fifth fastballs with a ball count of 1B2S, bullied Ohtanez by picking a low slider with a ball for the sixth ball, and did not miss a high fastball. With a launch angle of 21 degrees, a batting speed of 75.3 miles, and a 227-foot hit, it was Kim Hye-sung's first timely hit when there was a runner in the exhibition game.

Kim Hye-sung is waiting for the seventh pitch of Athletics right-hander Mitchell Ohtanez with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kim Hye-sung hit a 97.1-mile-high fastball to lead to a critical hit. Photo = MLB.TV Capture

Kim Hye-sung hit a timely hit for the first time with the runner in front. AP Yonhap News

Kim Hye-sung previously hit his first RBI with a solo home run to the left in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants on the 2nd, and this is the first time that a timely hit has been made for a runner. Kim Ha-sung then advanced to second base while the opposing center fielder Drew Evans threw to third base and the ball fell out, reconnecting the chance to second and third bases. However, Kim Hye-sung was not more advanced as the follow-up Michael Chavis retired on a fly to second base.

The local broadcaster said, "Kim Hye-sung's batting was excellent. After clearing several fouls, he picked the ball, and the fastball flew over the home plate (8th pitch). At this time, Kim Hye-sung accurately hit the bat on the fast ball (adjustment), and he/she hit it properly." He/she praised Kim Hye-sung's pioneering plan.

This commentary explains that coach Dave Roberts' ability to adapt to fast balls ordered by Kim Hye-sung has improved.

Kim Hye-sung's pioneering eye continued in his second at-bat. Trailing 5-7 in the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and a runner on first base, he showed a persistent trail and walked and got on base. Against Taiwan right-hander minor leaguer Joang Chen Zhongiao, he picked out a high sinker in the middle of the 95.1 mile on the eighth pitch in the full count. But the Dodgers have a follow-up Chavis hitting a fly ball to shortstop and hitting his knee as it is??It was.

As a result, Kim Hye-sung recorded a batting average of 0.192 (5 hits in 26 at-bats), one home run, three RBIs, four runs, four walks, 10 strikeouts, one stolen base, and an OPS of 0.608 in 13 spring training games. The batting average in the 20s is close.

Kim Hye-sung's chances of boarding the opening roster are high. AP Yonhap News

Kim Hye-sung's adaptability has improved remarkably since March. Since the game against San Francisco on the 2nd, he has marked a batting average of 0.333 (4 hits in 12 at-bats), two walks, three strikeouts, and an OPS 1.012 in seven games. He is in stark contrast to his batting average of 0.071 (one hit in 14 at-bats), two walks, seven strikeouts and an OPS of 0.259 in six games in February.

The possibility of Kim Hye-sung staying in the Major League is increasing. If he continues his hit on the same day in two exhibition games before leaving for Japan, against the Arizona Diamondbacks on the 11th and against the Cleveland Guardians on the 12th, he is highly likely to be included in the opening roster.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.