Japanese media swiftly reported the news of Kim Hye-sung's (Los Angeles Dodgers infielder) first hit in spring training.

Kim Hye-sung recorded 1 hit and 1 walk in 2 at-bats in the spring training game against the San Diego Padres held on 24th (Korean time) at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. He played both shortstop and center field.

On this day, the Dodgers set their starting lineup with shortstop Mookie Betts, second baseman Tommy Edman, designated hitter Michael Conforto, first baseman Kiké Hernández, catcher Austin Barnes, third baseman Miguel Rojas, left fielder Chris Taylor, center fielder Andy Pahés, and right fielder Jair Hope.

Starting from the bench, Kim Hye-sung stepped up to bat in place of Mookie Betts in the 4th inning with one out and no runners on base.

After failing to record a hit against the Chicago Cubs on the 21st (1 at-bat, no hits, 1 walk) and the Kansas City Royals on the 23rd (3 at-bats, no hits), Kim Hye-sung produced an infield hit against right-hander Eduaniel Nunez. The ball had a great trajectory, thanks in part to Kim Hye-sung's quick feet.

Kim Hye-sung walked in the 6th inning with 2 outs and a runner on first, and struck out in the 8th inning with one out and runners on first and second. The Dodgers scored 5 runs in the 8th inning, leading to an 8-3 victory, marking their first win in spring training.

Manager Dave Roberts said after the game, "Kim Hye-sung's outfield defense was really good. I think he produced a decent hit. The hit he had and the speed he showed were excellent." He added, "What he showed was really impressive, and the way he runs and his baserunning ability are elements we find very exciting."

Japanese sports media "Nikkan Sports" reported the Dodgers' first win in spring training, stating, "Kim Hye-sung recorded his first hit in spring training."

This media also reported, "Kim Hye-sung, who came from the KBO League, signed with the Dodgers in January through the posting system and stepped up as a pinch hitter in the 4th inning, producing an infield hit with his quick feet. He played both shortstop and center field, recording 1 hit and 1 walk in 2 at-bats."

"Nikkan Sports" also reported, "Manager Roberts also gave a positive evaluation of Kim Hye-sung."

Meanwhile, Kim Hye-sung, who graduated from DongSan High School and was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft by Nexen Heroes, has played a total of 953 games in the first team until last year, with a batting average of .304 (3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits), 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs scored, 211 stolen bases, and an OPS of .767.

From 2021 to 2024, Kim Hye-sung won one Gold Glove as a shortstop and three Gold Gloves as a second baseman and was frequently called up to the national team for events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, and the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC).

Having finished last year with a batting average of .326 (509 at-bats, 166 hits), 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, 90 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases, Kim Hye-sung successfully completed the season. He pursued a move to Major League Baseball through the posting system and signed with the Dodgers, well-known among domestic fans as the former team of Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin, for up to 3+2 years and $22 million.