The Los Angeles Dodgers are finalizing their roster ahead of Opening Day. Spring training is coming to an end. Roster battles are being decided. Manager Dave Roberts has tough decisions to make at the positions.
Several Dodgers left camp to represent their countries at the World Baseball Classic. Shohei Ohtani is representing Japan. Will Smith is with Team USA. Hyeseong Kim is playing for Team Korea, but sat out their final pool play game with an injury.
The Dodgers received a fresh update about his status on Thursday.
Dodgers Get Injury Update
Kim sat out Korea’s final pool play game against Australia. The absence came after he hurt his left hand against Chinese Taipei. Questions immediately arose about whether the injury would linger into Korea’s knockout round.
Team Korea manager Ji-Hyun Ryu addressed the situation Thursday.
“Kim was in good enough condition to play late in the Australia game,” Ryu said. “Given his current condition, he should be able to play in the upcoming games without any issues.”
Both Korea and the Dodgers can breathe easier. Korea faces a loaded Dominican lineup on Friday featuring Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ketel Marte.
Team Korea Manager Ji-Hyun Ryu says Kim “was in good enough condition to play late in the Australia game. Given his current condition, he should be able to play in the upcoming games without any issues.”
Very good news for the Dodgers and Korea.
How Kim Got Hurt
The injury happened March 8 against Chinese Taipei. Korea was tied in the 10th inning. Kim swiped second base but went in head first. His left hand took the brunt of the slide. He finished the inning. Korea lost 5-4. Kim didn’t appear the next day.
Pool play wrapped with Kim holding minimal offensive production. One hit in 10 trips to the plate. That lone hit was significant. A two-run homer against Japan that evened the score. Three RBIs. Two walks. One stolen base across three appearances.
Korea moves on to face the Dominican Republic Friday. Kim will need a good performance against one of the tournament’s most dangerous lineups.
GettyLos Angeles Dodgers’ Hyeseong Kim
Kim’s Roster Battle Back in LA
Kim’s spring training success gave him momentum in the race for Tommy Edman‘s second base job. Edman is working back from offseason ankle surgery. The door was open for Kim to claim the spot.
The competition intensified while Kim was away. Santiago Espinal has been scorching. The minor league signee forced his way into Roberts’ Opening Day plans with his bat.
Two home runs. Nine RBIs. A .600 average against the Reds across two games. His overall spring numbers were 11 hits in 23 at-bats across 10 games. Roberts noticed. Espinal is reportedly tracking toward the Opening Day roster.
Kim’s WBC absence created an opportunity for Espinal to seize. The roster picture looks different than when Kim left Arizona. He’ll need a strong finish at the WBC to maintain his edge.
GettyThe Dodgers at Spring Training.
Final Word for the Dodgers
Hyeseong Kim dodged a serious problem. The hand injury is minor. He’s likely cleared for Korea’s quarterfinal Friday against the Dominican Republic.
The Dodgers can exhale. Kim remains in the mix for the starting second base job. Santiago Espinal has made it a real competition with a blistering spring.
The battle will resume when Kim returns after the WBC.
Dodgers Get Major Injury News From World Baseball Classic