Hyeseong Kim was not able to beat out Alex Freeland for a spot on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, but received an opportunity to join the team with Mookie Betts’ right oblique injury.
The 27-year-old is determined to stay in the Majors after dominating with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Kim was happy with his performance on Wednesday against the New York Mets, which included his first homer of the season and a strong defensive play at shortstop, but knows there is room for continued improvement.
“I was obviously super happy running the bases, and because it was our first run, I felt like I was able to help in that sense. But also, after that, I struck out three times, so a little down on myself,” Kim said through interpreter Dean Kim.
Hyeseong Kim has made the most of his opportunity while in a platoon at shortstop with Miguel Rojas, hitting .278/.391/.500 with a double, home run and stolen base.
He’s has been praised by the Dodgers for an ability to be coachable and eagerness to improve. Kim has an immense amount of trust in the coaching staff and believes they can make him the best player he can be.
“I believe there are a lot of things that I could get better at that I need to work on,” Kim said. “And just by having the best coaching staff, all I really have to do is just follow their lead, communicate with them, and take their instructions. Following their instruction is all I need to do.”
Betts’ return does not appear to be imminent, but he is progressing well and not projected to remain on the injured list for the four to six-week period typically associated with an oblique strain. That gives Kim limited time to continue making an impression on the Dodgers’ decision makers.
Hyeseong Kim contributing to Dodgers
Manager Dave Roberts has been impressed with Kim’s play since being recalled this month. His assessment is a positive sign for Kim’s chances of remaining on the Dodgers roster should this level of production be maintained.
“Really good defensive play,” Roberts said of Kim’s diving stop. “He got us going. It was a 0-0, game, and he hits a homer. The bottom half of the order keeps doing some amazing things. And so to get production from the bottom half is great.
“And then Hyeseong, I always say, I mean, I always think it, it’s just like when he plays, he always does something to help the team win. He really does. And it’s good he’s getting some runway.”
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