LA Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-seong increased his chances of expanding his role by delivering a strong showing at spring camp.
At the camp underway in Phoenix, Arizona, Kim Hye-seong produced an impressive result on the 18th (Korea time) during live batting practice against the team's ace, Yamamoto Yoshinobu.
He drove the 16th pitch over the right-field wall for a home run, and added a right-field single in their second matchup. That day Yamamoto threw a total of 30 pitches, faced eight batters and allowed three hits, two of which came off Kim Hye-seong's bat.
This season looks set to be an opportunity for Kim Hye-seong. With starting utility player Tommy Edman likely to begin the season on the injured list after offseason ankle surgery, a competition at second base has opened up.
After moving from the KBO to MLB last year, Kim Hye-seong adjusted his swing mechanics and has been making additional refinements ahead of this season.
In an interview with the local paper LA Times that day, he said, "Last year I felt only about 70% comfortable with the swing changes. I found areas to improve during the offseason and camp, and I'm still making adjustments."
His debut season numbers were: 71 games, .280 batting average, .314 on-base percentage, .699 OPS, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs. He began the season in Triple-A but earned a promotion to the big leagues in May. He later left due to a left shoulder injury but was included on the postseason roster as a defensive player and served at second base in Game 7 of the World Series.
Kim Hye-seong also worked on improving his outfield defense. He said, "Even without the team telling me, I knew I had to develop center field and outfield defense." He also focused on building strength, increasing protein intake during the offseason and regaining about 2 to 3 kg.
He remained calm about the possibility of increased playing time. Kim Hye-seong emphasized, "I don't worry much about whether I will play more. Right now I just try to get better every day."
Meanwhile, manager Dave Roberts emphasized last season's results and the new season's goals at the first full-team meeting, saying, "Maintaining the values and focus we consider important is key." Players also shared why they chose the team and their commitments through speeches, and the Dodgers began their full-scale journey toward the new season.
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