Hyeseong Kim Shines for Dodgers Triple-A Squad as Leadoff Hitter
When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded starting second baseman Gavin Lux just days after signing KBO infielder Hyeseong Kim, it appeared the defending champions planned to use the four-time Gold Glove winner as Lux’s replacement.
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Lo and behold, spring camp told another tale for the Dodgers as Kim struggled to adjust to major league pitching. While the infielder’s defense is pristine, manager Dave Roberts admitted there was still work to be done in terms of Kim’s bat.
“Defensively, I think it’ll be very seamless,” Roberts said of the transition. “Offensively, there’s certainly more velocity. Controlling, getting his path right. Being able to handle balls that move late, handle velocity, and use the whole field. He’s going to put the ball in play. He can run. I just think he needs repetition.”
Kim did not travel with the team to Japan and began the season in the minors in order to improve offensively. It appears the Dodgers made the right move as Kim is off to a strong start at Triple-A.
For the Oklahoma City Comets, the shortstop hit .286 with a 1.158 OPS. Kim recorded a double, a triple, and four RBIs in the Comets’ 8-2 victory over the Space Cowboys on Saturday.
Kim boldly chose to join the Dodgers, despite getting offers from other teams throughout his posting process. He knew he would have to fight for a spot with the defending champions, and the 26-year-old is certainly on the right trajectory as he continues to prove himself in the minors.
If Kim continues with that kind of stat line in the coming months, there’s a chance the Dodgers will promote him sooner rather than later.
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Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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