Kim Hye-seong made his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers hours after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He entered Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals in the bottom of the eighth inning as a defensive replacement at second base, as the Dodgers won 8-6. The move fills the gap left by injured All-Star Mookie Betts.
The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Kim Hye-seong from Triple-A Oklahoma City before Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. He entered in the bottom of the eighth inning as a defensive replacement at second base after Alex Freeland was pinch-hit for by outfielder Kyle Tucker during the Dodgers' four-run rally in the top half. The Dodgers held on for an 8-6 victory.
The recall came after All-Star shortstop Mookie Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain sustained Saturday. Betts drew a walk in the first inning, scored on a double, and felt discomfort while running the bases; an MRI confirmed the strain from a checked swing in his only plate appearance. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kim, a left-handed batter, will platoon at shortstop with Miguel Rojas, starting against right-handers.
Roberts added that Kim will likely start two of three games in the upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, a rematch of the 2025 World Series beginning Monday.
In spring training, Kim batted 11-for-27 (.407) over nine games but started the season in the minors for swing work. With Oklahoma City, he hit 9-for-26 (.346) in six games. As a 2025 rookie, he posted .280/.314/.385 with three homers, 17 RBIs, and 13 steals in 71 games across second base, shortstop, and center field. He joins San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo as one of two South Koreans on big-league rosters.
