Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-sung (26) has delayed his big league return to after September.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted on the 28th (Korea time) before the home game against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, for the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, that "Kim Hye-sung will return after September, when the expanded roster (28 players) is applied."
Kim Hye-sung, who has played 58 games in the big league this season with a batting average of .304 (42 hits in 138 at-bats), 2 home runs, 15 RBIs, 17 runs, and 12 stolen bases, was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) due to left shoulder bursitis on the 30th of last month and started participating in minor league rehabilitation games from the 22nd of this month.
Recently, Kim Hye-sung had a five-game hitting streak in Triple-A, leading to speculation about an early return.
However, the situation changed with the return of multi-player Enrique Hernandez, who was on the IL due to a left elbow injury.
The Dodgers found no need to call up Kim Hye-sung early and decided to have him join during the expanded roster period.
With the timing of Kim Hye-sung's return pushed to next month, a meeting with Korea's soccer star Son Heung-min has fallen through.
On this day, Son Heung-min will take the mound as a ceremonial first pitcher against Cincinnati.
Kim Hye-sung expressed regret as he has a special connection with Son Heung-min.
Kim Hye-sung signed with CAA Sports, Son Heung-min's agency and a global agency, ahead of his move to the United States in 2024.
Additionally, on the 8th, he sent a welcome message to his 'new neighbor' Son Heung-min, who joined Major League Soccer (MLS) LAFC.
He said through the official social media of the Dodgers, "As someone who really loves soccer and is a huge fan of Son Heung-min, I feel honored and happy to be playing in the same area."