Since the Dodgers' camp number 1 issue is Kim Hye-sung, local media are mentioning the possibility of going to a minor league
Feb 27, 2025
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MLB.com was the first to mention Kim Hye-sung in an article titled 「3 Storylines of Dodgers to be examined during spring training」 on the 27th (Korea time). He then cited Sasaki Rocky's camp adaptation process as the second issue, and bullpen core Evan Phillips and Mike Kopech, who return from injury, as the third storyline.
Dodgers reporter Sonya Chen, who wrote the article, wrote the title of `Kim Hye-sung who works for employment'Dave Roberts opened the possibility of Kim Hye-sung starting the season in the minor leagues while he continues to adapt to the major leagues'Kim Hye-sung shot 1 for 12 in the Cactus League until today. The only hit was an infield hit against the Padres on the 24th. "I'm adjusting my swing form at the Dodgers' recommendation, and it can take a considerable amount of time to get the desired result,' he said.
Kim Hye-sung started the away exhibition game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Phoenix American Family Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on the same day, recording no hits and one strikeout in three at-bats. Reporter Chen was referring to the record until this day.
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Kim Hye-sung, who entered the batter's box as a leadoff hitter in the top of the third inning, trailing 0-2, pulled a fastball through the low strike zone in the outside of right-hander Carlos Rodriguez's first pitch, but it was caught in right field in the middle.
Kim Hye-sung, who took the batter's box for the second time in the Dodgers' 3-3 tie and continued one-out second base, hit Rodriguez's sixth pitch outside sinker in the full count and grounded out to third base.
Kim Hye-sung struck out in his third at-bat in the fifth inning. After one out, the Dodgers opened the mood by widening the gap to 8-3 with consecutive home runs by Andy Paz and David Bottie. However, Kim Hye-sung then misplayed the bat on a fast cutter that fell toward his body for the fifth time in the ball count 2B2S with right-hander Grant Anderson. Kim Hye-sung was replaced at defense in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Kim Hye-sung, who has a batting average of 0.083 (1 hit in 12 at-bats), two walks and five strikeouts in five spring training games, has no home runs, RBIs, or runs, and has a strikeout rate of 35.7% in 14 at-bats.
This is why it is expected to go to the minor leagues. Reporter Chen said 'If Kim Hye-sung doesn't make it to the opening roster, Tommy Edman will mainly see second base, and Andy Pazs and James Outman will get a chance in center field'
Roberts said of Kim Hye-sung before the game, `He believes in himself and comes here to compete. They are competing for a seat. We're putting out all the scenarios, so we don't have to decide right now"But I want to be clear that there are questions about hitting. From our point of view, it is a fair idea."
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As Kim Hye-sung is sluggish, other players who are competing in the infield stand out. Utility infielder Miguel Rojas is 5 for 10 (0.500), 3 RBIs and an OPS of 1.245 in four games.
Bottie, another utility infielder who signed a minor league contract last winter and is participating as a non-roster guest, is aiming for the opening roster, hitting 8 for 12 (0.667), one home run, six RBIs and an OPS of 1.775 in five games. Bottie made his debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2018 and played as a backup infielder there, this time wearing a Dodgers uniform, where he has mostly seen third and second basemen.
Roberts said there is still a lot of time left, but it is less than three weeks before the Tokyo Series on March 18.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
