Hyeseong Kim has had an eventful rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers as he makes the jump from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to MLB.
Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason but began 2025 in the Minor Leagues with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. Kim performed well enough to earn a promotion for his MLB debut in May, albeit in an opportunity created by Tommy Edman going on the 10-day injured list due to right ankle inflammation.
Kim provided an instant impact in the Dodgers’ lineup, hitting .422/.458/.600 with 13 runs scored across 45 at-bats during his first month in the Majors.
He continued to be an asset for the Dodgers this season until late July, when Kim was placed on the injured list with left shoulder bursitis. Kim had been playing through left shoulder discomfort for about a week prior to being placed on the IL.
It had a noticeable impact on his ability at the plate, as Kim went 3-for-24 during a nine-game stretch while seemingly injured.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts appreciated Kim’s toughness, but hopes the rookie is more forthcoming about not being healthy going forward.
The Dodgers sent Kim out on a rehab assignment with the Comets that began on Aug. 21. It has included two starts in left field amid becoming a potential option there for the Dodgers.
The rookie has appeared in 16 games in center field for the Dodgers this season, but otherwise has not played left field since 2020 in the KBO.
When is Hyeseong Kim returning?
On Wednesday, Roberts announced the Dodgers expect Kim to be activated from the injured list when active rosters expand on Sept. 1.
Kim will be the latest position player to be activated from the injured list, with Kiké Hernández rejoining the Dodgers on Monday.
The team has also welcomed back Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates in the past week, and Max Muncy and Michael Kopech aren’t far behind.
In 58 games with the Dodgers, Kim has hit .304/.338/.406 with six doubles, one triple, two home runs, 15 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
With the Dodgers preparing Tommy Edman to become their primary center fielder, the rookie is in line to take over at second base against right-handed starting pitchers.
