Roberts Kim Hye-sung = There was a reason why he was stuck in center field, left-handed center field is not bad. It's smooth. I'm so satisfied

Feb 25, 2025

LA Dodgers second baseman Kim Hye-sung is defending a fly ball hit by opposing Moises Bayesteros in the top of the first inning against the Chicago Cubs on the 21st (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

Kim Hye-sung is heading for the dugout with a big smile at the cheering fans. AP Yonhap News

Expectations are rising for Kim Hye-sung of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is improving his adaptability to the spring training in Glendale, Arizona.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in an interview with local media on the 25th (Korea Standard Time), `He looks comfortable and good,' and is checking some things in hitting. I'm making changes to my batting form, and I think I'll get used to it more and more. As for the speed of the game, he will be able to keep up. What is clear is that Kim Hye-sung is doing it according to her body and looks strong."

Kim Hye-sung, who has played in three exhibition games, has been highly evaluated in defense rather than hitting.

Kim Hye-sung started as second baseman in the opening game of the exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs on the 21st and played defense cleanly twice. In the first inning, Moises Bayesteros' fly ball was chased back to the right-center outfield and caught it with ease, and in the fourth inning, left-handed batter Mike Bush's 104.3 mph fast bound ball was stably handled.

L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is enjoying himself as he receives a request for an autograph from a child fan before the game on the 24th (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

He then played shortstop against the Kansas City Royals on the 23rd and made an error, but the hit itself was tricky. Freddie Permin's 105.6-mile hitting ball in the first inning was two-bound and bounced back after being hit by the glove while trying to catch it flying to the left. However, it did not lead to a loss. Instead, Kim Hye-sung caught right-handed Joey Wimmer's 102.1-mile fastball with a backhand in the third inning and threw it hard to first base to increase the out count. The batting judgment → the pitch → the pitch was neatly connected.

In the game against the San Diego Padres on the 24th, he played as a pinch hitter in the fourth inning and had an infield hit before entering shortstop in the fifth inning of defense. After moving back to center field in the seventh inning, he showed impressive defense in the eighth inning.

After one out, left-handed batter Clay Dungeon's 91.2 mile-speed line-drive hit flew toward him, and he ran forward without delay and caught it leisurely. At this point, the local relay team is heading toward center field. Kim Hye-sung catches it lightly. With his quick feet, he ran out with quick judgment and caught him relatively easilyAfter praising "Kim Hye-sung is looking at multiple positions, which is a very important part that the Dodgers have focused on in recent years."

However, second baseman → shortstop → center fielder Kim Hye-sung, who has been proven in defense, is expected to be used in various positions in the future, and Roberts' faith in him is expected to strengthen.

Kim Hye-sung hits an infield hit in the fourth inning against San Diego on the 24th (Korea time). AP Yonhap News

Roberts said, `He has played left-handed (for KBO), but I think it makes a lot more sense to play center field given his quick mobility"He's ready to run whatever we ask for. Speaking to Dino (Dino Evil 3rd base and outfielder coach), Kim Hye-sung went out to the outfield for a few days to train. The movement is really good and it's quite smooth."

In response, Dodger Blue said on the 25th that `Kim Hye-sung could eventually establish himself as a second baseman, but the Dodgers plan to have him take on several other positions during spring training.'

Roberts thinks if there's anything he wants, he'll see what he can do in batting. And there are a lot of other options as well." It means we'll wait and see for the hit.

Roberts said, `Kim Hye-sung will play second base. James Outman and Andy Parz compete for center field, and Tommy Edman will play the main center field. But if there's another left-handed center fielder, there won't be many disadvantages. "And I'm sure I'll use him often as a shortstop, but I'll see in the end that I can play second baseman." However, he will be able to test and evaluate his skills in other positions."

In other words, the reason why Kim Hye-sung is used as a center fielder option is because he is a left-handed hitter. Considering Roberts's plan, Kim Hye-sung is expected to continue to be verified as a center fielder in the future. He played four positions during his KBO career: second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, and left fielder. The center fielder has no experience.

Meanwhile, Kim Hye-sung missed an away exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.