Dave Roberts Reveals Reasoning for Hyeseong Kim Starting Season in Triple-A for Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Tuesday that infielder Hyeseong Kim would open the season in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
The Dodgers won’t have him travel to Japan for the Tokyo Series, and officially optioned him Tuesday evening.
Read more: Hyeseong Kim to Start 2025 Season in Triple-A, Won’t Travel With Dodgers to Japan
Roberts revealed what went into the decision to have Kim open the season in the minor leagues.
“The last four games, days have been really good for him,” Roberts said. “He looks much more comfortable at-bat. The defense has been really good, and it was good to see him in center field. We feel that it’s most important for him to stay here, take at-bats, play in games to help him get ready for the season.”
It always made sense for Kim to stay in Arizona rather than going to Japan, as the Cubs are starting two left-handers in the Tokyo Series in Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele. However, the Dodgers have also already made the decision that Kim won’t be on the team’s domestic Opening Day roster in two weeks, and will open the season in the minors.
Kim starting the year in the minor leagues was always going to be an option. The Dodgers knew when they signed him his offense was a work in progress, and adjusting to major league velocity wouldn’t be easy.
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“Offensively, there’s certainly more velocity,” Roberts said earlier this spring. “Controlling, getting his path right. Being able to handle balls that move late, handle velocity, use the whole field. He’s going to put the ball in play. He can run. I just think he needs repetition.”
He added: “I think that he can certainly win ballgames with his defense alone. Then the question is the development part. What’s good for him? What’s good for the Dodgers?”
The Dodgers have decided that it’s best for both him and the team to have the 26-year-old start the year in the minor leagues. With Kim in the minors, Andy Pages and James Outman will be competing for the starting center field spot.
Like we predicted last month, Pages should have a leg up in that competition.
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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