The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move to Tommy Edman being placed on the 10-day injured list due to right ankle inflammation.
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract during the offseason and he seemingly had the inside track to taking over the starting job at second base when Gavin Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
However, Kim did not fare well at the plate in Spring Training and was optioned to Oklahoma City to begin the 2025 season. Even with his struggles, the Dodgers maintained confidence in the 26-year-old and felt he was more of a long-term option for the organization.
Now that he has joined the Major League roster, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the the expectation is Kim will fill a bench role and occasionally get some starts, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think right now it’s going to kind of be to come off the bench and fill in at different spots. But we’ll try to get a start for him.”
Kim entered at second base in the ninth inning of the Dodgers’ win during the middle game of their series with the Atlanta Braves.
Kim is a second baseman by trade but also has spent time at shortstop and center field. Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor are other options for second base while Edman is out. Hernández and Taylor are capable of playing the outfield as well if the Dodgers wish to move some pieces around.
The Dodgers previously passed on the opportunity to promote Kim last month when Freddie Freeman was put on the 10-day IL. Roberts explained at the time that Kim was not considered because of the limited opportunities he would have with Freeman expected to miss just the minimum amount of time required.
Hyeseong Kim’s stats with Oklahoma City Comets
Kim worked on his swing mechanics and initially found success with the Comets before cooling 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.
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