When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim and traded Gavin Lux during the offseason, it appeared he had the inside track to taking over the starting job at second base.
That’s where Kim played to begin Spring Training but he eventually started to receive starts at shortstop and center field as well. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained that was part of the club evaluating their options at second base and center field.
While Kim showed versatility in the field, he struggled to hit in Cactus League games and was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin the season.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers are recalling Kim on Saturday:
Sources: The Dodgers are calling up Hyeseong Kim. The infielder is en route to Atlanta after posting an .801 OPS in 127 Triple-A plate appearances.@dodger_daily was on this last night.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 3, 2025
The Dodgers previously passed on the opportunity to call up Kim to their roster last month when Freddie Freeman was put on the 10-day injured list. Roberts explained Kim and top Dodgers prospect Dalton Rushing were not considered because of the limited opportunities to play while Freeman was expected to miss just the minimum amount of time required.
For Kim specifically, Roberts noted he was more of a long-term outlook for the organization. Thus, the Dodgers decided on adding Hunter Feduccia in his place.
Amid continued work to implement and refine new swing mechanics, Kim went through a hot stretch with the OKC Comets but has cooled off recently. Overall this season, he’s batting .252/.328/.470 with eight doubles, one triple, five home runs and 19 RBI in 28 games played for Oklahoma City.
Why is Hyeseong Kim joining Dodgers roster?
Kim is getting an opportunity with the Dodgers because of Tommy Edman likely going on the 10-day injured list due to a right ankle issue.
Edman missed the past two games and initially was expected to be back in the lineup by Saturday. Given that Kim plays the infield and outfield like Edman, he could be in line to quickly make his MLB debut.
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