The entry of Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers into the Major League opening roster is expected to depend on the results of adjustments to his batting form. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Kim Hye-seong's defensive skills, stating, "If there is one question mark, it is his batting."

On the 26th, the Dodgers will face the Seattle Mariners in an exhibition game at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.

The home team Dodgers had Mookie Betts (shortstop), Tommy Edman (second baseman), Michael Conforto (left fielder), Kiké Hernández (third baseman), Miguel Rojas (first baseman), Eddie Rosario (right fielder), Austin Barnes (catcher), James Outman (center fielder), and Ryan Ward (designated hitter) in the starting lineup.

Kim Hye-seong, who missed the exhibition game against Seattle the previous day, has been out of the starting lineup for three consecutive games. On the 24th against San Diego, he came in as a pinch hitter in the 4th inning and alternated between shortstop and center field during defense. As of the 25th, Kim Hye-seong has appeared in three games, recording 1 hit in 6 at-bats, with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

Manager Roberts acknowledged that Kim Hye-seong's defense is at a big league level. Early in spring training, he praised him, saying, "Kim Hye-seong is a player who can win games with his defense alone." His outfield defense is also positive. Although he has some experience as a left fielder in the KBO League, Kim Hye-seong has no experience as a center fielder.

Before the game that day, in an interview with reporters, Manager Roberts commented on Kim Hye-seong's center field defense, saying, "I think it makes much more sense for him to play center field because he is fast. A few days ago, he practiced in the outfield, and I saw him play center field for a bit in the game, and his movements and actions looked good. I think he will do well, and if he practices more, his chances of surviving on the Major League roster will increase."

Afterward, a pointed question from a Dodgers beat reporter arose, asking if Kim Hye-seong needs to start the season in the minor leagues to adjust his offensive game.

Manager Roberts said, "If there's one part of it, the question mark I would say is the bat. The competition is different between Korea and here. We are adjusting his batting. I believe we are helping him adapt and sustain himself here with slight swing adjustments we are working on."

He added, "He has bet on himself to compete here. Right now, he is in a competition to earn a spot. I would say it is still a work in progress."

It is too early to mention a move to the minor leagues. Kim Hye-seong has only played in three games so far, and there are still many exhibition games left. Manager Roberts stated, "We don't need to make a decision right now obviously. But I would say that if there's one thing that we still question, it is the bat."

He spoke more about Kim Hye-seong's initial impression at the plate, saying, "I think there are important adjustments to his batting mechanics against right-handed pitchers regarding velocity, movement, cut fastballs, fastballs, and changeups. Therefore, he needs to repeat more games. But Kim Hye-seong is definitely smart, flexible, energetic, and full of talent."

Kim Hye-seong signed a 3+2 year, $22 million contract with the Dodgers through a posting agreement in January. Since joining the Dodgers, he has been adjusting his batting form to prepare for Major League pitchers.

Kim Hye-seong explained, "The Dodgers have a system for filming and analyzing batting forms. The issues I thought I had while playing baseball have been accurately identified through the analysis program. It tells me what the problems are and how to practice, so I can follow along more easily."

Kim Hye-seong, who is doing a lot of personal training every day with the modified batting form, needs to show good results at the plate.