Kim Hye-sung of the Los Angeles Dodgers has once again demonstrated why he is needed by the Dodgers. Although he was out and his first Major League double was erased, his challenging spirit and judgment were outstanding.
On the 12th (Korea time), he was named the starting second baseman in the '2025 Major League' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks held at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, where he recorded 1 hit in 3 at-bats.
On that day, Kim Hye-sung added another hit, marking hits in consecutive games. However, he was able to record his first extra-base hit since his Major League debut, but it was overturned by video review. It was a close call. Kim Hye-sung struck out looking in his first at-bat in the second inning and was out on a ground ball to third base in the fourth inning.
Then in the sixth inning, he stepped up to the plate for his third at-bat with no outs and one runner on base. Kim Hye-sung struggled against Arizona starter Zack Gallon's knuckle curve. After swinging and missing at a one-hop knuckle curve in the first inning, he watched a four-seam fastball before connecting properly with it. On the second pitch, he hit a 79.5-mile knuckle curve, sending it to right-center field. The runner on first base was able to advance to third, and Kim Hye-sung raced to second base without hesitation.
Kim Hye-sung reached second base with his quick speed, but it was a close play. The initial call was safe. It appeared that Kim Hye-sung's slide was faster than the tag by shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. Arizona immediately requested a review. The challenge review center in New York took considerable time to determine whether Kim Hye-sung was safe or out. Ultimately, the ruling was overturned. Kim Hye-sung shook his head as he contemplated his disappointment.
It was a close call. While it could be seen as a contentious decision, the glove near the wrist that received the throw touched Kim Hye-sung's foot first. By a very slim margin, Kim Hye-sung was ruled out. It was the moment his first double in his debut was erased.
Although he was out, the local broadcast team praised the process that Kim Hye-sung went through to reach second base. Eric Karros, an analyst for SportsNet LA, which specializes in Dodgers games, watched Kim Hye-sung's attempt to steal second and noted, "What impressed me about Kim Hye-sung's baserunning is that the most important part is his fearless attitude and excellent judgment. This play was really good. I think Kim Hye-sung made a great play." Regardless of the out call, it seemed like he was impressed by Kim Hye-sung's aggressive baserunning.
From the Dodgers' perspective, they need this dynamic aspect from Kim Hye-sung. All the core players on the Dodgers are in their 30s. The starting lineup is aging. Shohei Ohtani, who made history last year with 50 home runs and 50 steals and currently leads the team with 10 steals, along with Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman, are all athletic players, but they cannot be classified as specialized baserunners.
According to Baseball Savant, the Dodgers' average sprint speed is 27.1 feet per second, ranking 17th overall in Major League Baseball, which is mid-range. Currently, Kim Hye-sung's sprint speed exceeds the team average at 28.2 feet per second. Although the sample size is small, if applied to the entire Major League Baseball, it corresponds to the top 22%. He is showing speeds comparable to the highest recorded speeds in the team by Tommy Edman and Andy Pahges (28.4 feet per second). Ohtani's sprint speed is recorded at 27.9 feet.
In various ways, Kim Hye-sung's speed can be beneficial to the team, as he can adequately serve as a link between the lower and upper batting orders. North American sports media outlet The Athletic highlighted Kim Hye-sung's contributions since being called up to the big leagues, stating, 'This is what the Dodgers expected when they signed Kim Hye-sung. They needed a player to complement the lack of athleticism in a veteran-heavy roster, and that was Kim Hye-sung. He proved how he could influence the game without swinging the bat.' They emphasized that he is a necessary presence for the Dodgers.
If Kim Hye-sung had recorded a double on this aggressive baserunning play against Arizona, it would have created an opportunity for the leadoff hitter Ohtani, which could have led to a timely hit. In fact, during the sixth inning with two outs and a runner on third, Ohtani brought the runner home with a timely hit to right field.
For now, he is demonstrating that he can showcase his contact ability and get on base. James Outman, who was called up around the same time and is in competition for the roster, has currently recorded 1 hit in 15 at-bats, with a batting average of .067 and 10 strikeouts. Kim Hye-sung is being identified as the more effective player.
For now, Edman, who has suffered an ankle injury, is taking longer to return. According to The Athletic, 'Manager Roberts noted that Edman's right ankle is healing slowly, and he is still having difficulties running. He will not take minimal rest,' adding, 'Thus, Kim Hye-sung and Outman have earned more time to remain on the roster. Edman and Teoscar Hernandez plan to start live batting next week.'
However, based on his current performance, it seems that Kim Hye-sung can not only survive in the Major Leagues but also coexist with Edman. Kim Hye-sung could take up position at second base while Edman returns to center field. Additionally, defensive formations could consider Andy Pahges, who is in excellent hitting form, taking over in left field.
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