Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim Under Threat From Emerging Veteran
Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Hyeseong Kim is fighting for playing time on a crowded and deep roster, and a new player has made it all the harder.
Kim was handed a lifeline with the surgery of Tommy Edman, who went through surgery over the offseason to finally resolve his lingering ankle issue.
Edman is treated as the primary option at second base and as someone who can moonlight in the outfield. With him out of the picture, Miguel Rojas becomes a key part of the second base plan, along with Kim.
However, the emergence of minor league signee Santiago Espinal has added a new wrinkle to Kim’s spot in the platoon.
Kim got off to a hot start in spring training, going six for 13 with a home run before leaving for the World Baseball Classic with Team Korea.
He seemed poised to take the lion’s share of platoon starts at second base, though Espinal’s own impressive Spring Training stint will take away from Kim, according to The Athletic‘s Katie Woo.
“When camp started, it seemed Kim was the favorite to take the second-base job, partly because of his ability to play center field when Andy Pages needs a day off,” Woo wrote.
“It’s growing increasingly likely Roberts will platoon second base, with Miguel Rojas getting starts against lefties. That doesn’t change Kim’s status. Kim had a strong spring campaign before departing for the World Baseball Classic, and Roberts was complimentary of Kim’s performance while also hinting he’d like to see how Kim would fare with everyday playing time.
“Barring an injury or a shocking development, Kim will be on the Opening Day roster, but his usage might change with the emergence of Espinal.”
How can Kim hold on to his playing time?
As a lefty, Kim can platoon for Andy Pages and Miguel Rojas, two right-handed hitters.
If he can keep hitting or, at the very least, take advantage of his match-ups, Kim will feature in the Dodgers plan, especially since he has a good glove and elite speed that helps all over the field.
He has shown good contact skills, and if he takes advantage of any pitching mistakes, Kim will be able to deliver.