Is Kim Hye-sung (LA Dodgers) really out of favor? Attention is focusing on manager Dave Roberts' intentions after Kim was left out of the starting lineup the day after receiving criticism for a failed ABS challenge.
The LA Dodgers are set to play the first game of a three-game home series against the New York Mets on April 14, 2026, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Against Mets left-hander David Peterson, the Dodgers announced a starting lineup of Shohei Ohtani (designated hitter), Kyle Tucker (right field), Will Smith (catcher), Teoscar Hernández (left field), Freddie Freeman (first base), Andy Pages (center field), Max Muncy (third base), Santiago Espinal (second base), Miguel Rojas (shortstop). Kim Hye-sung, who had started three consecutive games through the previous day, was left off the roster.
On April 13 against the Texas Rangers, Kim Hye-sung started at shortstop batting ninth and went 0-for-2 before being replaced by a pinch hitter when a left-handed pitcher entered. The controversial moment came in the bottom of the third inning. After striking out looking with a runner on first and no outs, Kim requested an ABS challenge. Unluckily, replays showed Jacob deGrom's fifth-pitch slider from Texas passed through the strike zone, so the call was not overturned. Roberts publicly criticized Kim, saying, "It was the wrong decision to request an ABS challenge in that situation."
Called up to the major leagues to replace Mookie Betts, Kim Hye-sung has shown solid hitting over six games, batting .308 (13 at-bats, 4 hits) with 1 RBI, 3 runs and an OPS of .797. He had also hit well against left-handed pitchers this season, with 1 hit and 1 walk in 3 at-bats, but Roberts left Kim out of the starting lineup against the Mets' left-handed starter.
CBS Sports in the U.S. reacted, "Kim Hye-sung had started at shortstop in three straight games and five of his last six, but he was left out of the lineup after the Mets countered with left-hander David Peterson."
Sports Illustrated in the U.S. downplayed Kim Hye-sung's omission, saying, "With left-hander Peterson taking the mound, Miguel Rojas was expected to start instead of Kim Hye-sung. Kim will get some rest."
Opposing Dodgers left-hander Justin Wrobleski, the Mets submitted a lineup of Francisco Lindor (shortstop), Luis Roberts Jr. (center field), Mark Vientos (first base), Bo Bichette (third base), Jorge Polanco (designated hitter), Francisco Alvarez (catcher), Tommy Pham (left field), Marcus Semien (second base), Tyron Taylor (right field).
The Dodgers are first in the National League West (11-4), and the Mets are last in the East (7-9).
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