Hyeseong Kim has been a spark plug for the Los Angeles Dodgers since he was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and made his MLB debut on May 3. But through his first 10 MLB games, the rookie had yet to record his first extra-base hit.
That changed on Wednesday night when Kim went 2-for-2 against the Athletics. Kim started his night with an infield single, and in his second at-bat, blasted his first career home run, which tied the game at 3-3.
The first home run is always special, but for Kim, who grew up a Dodgers fan in South Korea, it had even more meaning.
“I always dreamed of playing at Dodger Stadium,” Kim said through his interpreter. “I’m really happy, and I’m really thrilled right now.”
As the ball cleared the wall and Kim rounded the bases, he experienced somewhat of a blackout, no longer hearing the roar of the crowd and instead just thinking of achieving one of his dreams.
“I mean, even if it is not a home run, I’ll always hear the fan support and fans’ voice. I can hear it in Dodger Stadium,” Kim began. “And then at this moment when I hit the home run, I really didn’t hear it. I was more focusing on my situation.”
Dodgers hitting coaches and Kim have worked on adjusting his swing in attempt to unlock more power. The changes took some time to stick and he struggled in Spring Training, which in part led to starting the season in Triple-A.
But things started to click for Kim at Oklahoma City, and he hit five home runs during his stint in the Minors. But even with the increased power, Kim isn’t focusing on that part of his game.
“I don’t really try to think about hitting for power,” Kim said. “I think the only thing that I really care about is to hit a hard hit, and if it comes out, then I’m happy. And if not, then I got to work hard on it.”
Unfortunately, Kim has not yet received the ball from his first home run. But regardless, it’s a moment he’ll never forget.
Hyeseong Kim reflects on start to Dodgers career
In 25 at-bats, Kim is hitting .360 with an .840 on-base plus slugging percentage, one home run, three RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases while playing second base and some center field mixed in. But even with his early success, Kim is not focused on what he’s done thus far.
“Assessment and evaluation is on the team,” Kim said. “It’s not my role. So I’m just trying to do my job and try to be a good athlete.”
The Dodgers will have a tough decision to make when Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman return from the injured list. They will have to clear two roster spaces, with James Outman likely being one.
But that still leaves a potential battle between Kim, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor for the final spot, barring any injury. The Dodgers have been hesitant to release veterans and clubhouse leaders in the past, but that calculation may have changed with Austin Barnes getting designated for assignment.
Kim is making it nearly impossible to send him down, but he’s trying to do the best he can with his opportunities.
“I’m trying to figure out what my role is in this organization, and I’m just trying to control what I can control,” Kim said.
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