Local media predicted that Kim Hye-sung (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major League Baseball (MLB) will be excluded from the big league opening list.
The Dodgers' rotation, which deals with the news of the Dodgers, published an article titled "The Dodgers may set up Tommy Edman as second baseman instead of Kim Hye-sung" on the 4th (Korea time). "Among the newly recruited players ahead of this season, KBO League star Kim Hye-sung is having difficulty attacking, which has caused a slight setback in the Dodgers' plans," he said. "Kim Hye-sung can start this season in the minor leagues." 메이저놀이터
The media assumed that "Kim Hye-sung, a four-time KBO Golden Glove winner, has no doubt about his defense." However, he is showing problems in his offense as he plays an exhibition game. He hit his first home run in the game against San Francisco on the 2nd, but he still has two hits in 17 at-bats for a batting average of 118.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pointed out, "The speed difference between KBO and MLB is a challenge for the 26-year-old infielder." They are struggling with fast-paced MLB pitchers.
The Dodgers originally planned to use Edman as center fielder and Kim Hye-sung as second baseman. However, as Kim is struggling to adapt to MLB, his plan seems to be changing. "Edman can definitely play center fielder, but he can also play second baseman," Roberts said.
Bill Plunkett, a reporter for the Orange County Register, a local media outlet, also pointed out, "Kim Hye-sung is not responding properly to MLB-level pitchers." "The second baseman will be Edman, Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor will be backed up, and center field will be Andy Pazs or James Outman," he said. "Kim Hye-sung will be out of the entry due to Pazs and Outman."
"She is very capable and has ample room for growth," Roberts said. "I think she still has a long way to go before becoming a MLB hitter." Kim's big league challenge is tough.