The two-time consecutive World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers lost former MVP Mookie Betts (infielder) to injury less than two weeks into this season. But Kim Hye-seong has contributed to the team's momentum by performing beyond expectations.
U.S. sports outlet "Sports Illustrated" reported on the 27th (Korea time), "Betts being placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain was by no means welcome for the team, but it created an opportunity to open a chance for infielder Kim Hye-seong."
The Dodgers signed Kim Hye-seong, a former KBO League player, to a three-year, $12.5 million contract last January. Kim was valued for his defensive skills, winning the Golden Glove four times in the KBO League, but there were questions about his hitting. He began last year in the minor leagues but was later called up and remained on the roster through the postseason.
The same was true this season. At spring training, Kim Hye-seong set making the opening roster as his primary goal, but the Dodgers placed prospect Alex Freeland on the opening roster. Manager Dave Roberts called it "the toughest decision of spring training."
At the time, Roberts said, "Kim Hye-seong is a player who will help the team someday. However, I judged it more appropriate to keep him in the minor leagues to give him daily playing time and let him handle various positions. We planned to have him play shortstop, center field, second base and other positions."
He added, "Freeland already showed good performance at Triple-A and had nothing more to prove. We wanted to give him opportunities against right-handed pitchers to see what role he could play on the team."
He also emphasized, "This decision is unrelated to the evaluation of Kim Hye-seong. We hold him in very high regard as a player and as a teammate, and we expect he will help the team someday."
The outlet said, "Now the Dodgers will face another choice when Betts returns in a few weeks. The key will be who to keep between Kim Hye-seong and Freeland."
All of them are putting up respectable performances in the major leagues this season. However, Kim Hye-seong has posted impressive results despite relatively limited opportunities.
Kim Hye-seong is hitting .333 in 45 at-bats with an OPS of 0.848, one home run, seven RBIs and five stolen bases. By contrast, Freeland is hitting .235 in 68 at-bats with an OPS of 0.641, one home run and six RBIs.
"Sports Illustrated" praised, "Kim Hye-seong has admirably filled the gap left by Betts, especially showing good performance against right-handed pitchers. He has also maintained steady play at shortstop."
Manager Roberts assessed Kim Hye-seong, "Every time he takes the field he produces something that helps the team win. It really is that way. It's a good thing for him to be getting playing opportunities like now."
The outlet reported, "With several weeks remaining until Betts' return, both Kim Hye-seong and Freeland are expected to receive additional opportunities. But pressure is mounting on both Kim and Freeland as the team prepares for Betts' eventual return."
[OSEN]