It’s Time For the Dodgers to Call Up Hyeseong Kim: Opinion
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their season 8-0, but have since hit a rough patch, losing six of their last nine games.
The Dodgers have lost three consecutive series to the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs, and were most recently outscored 20-5 at home against Chicago.
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The Dodgers lineup has been uncharacteristically bad over the last couple weeks. Since April 1, across the team’s nine-game losing streak, the Dodgers lineup has a combined OPS of .651, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball.
While the top of the lineup hasn’t been living up to their billing, the bottom of the Dodgers lineup has been among the worst in the league. The Nos. 7-9 hitters in the Dodgers order have a combined OPS of .508 this season, which ranks 28th in MLB, only ahead of the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets.
Since April 1, the Dodgers’ last three spots in the lineup have been the worst in MLB, with an OPS of .436.
Those hitters mainly include the likes of Max Muncy, Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages, Kiké Hernández, Austin Barnes, and Chris Taylor.
It’s clear the Dodgers need to make a change, and fortunately for them, they have a player in Oklahoma City who’s exceeding expectations right now in Hyeseong Kim.
The Dodgers signed Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million deal this offseason, with options that could make it a five-year pact. Los Angeles knew that Kim would need some time as he adjusted to big league pitching, thus, after a slow spring, they elected to option him to Triple-A.
Kim has been sensational as a hitter for OKC, especially as of late. On the year, he’s slashing .290/.362/.581 with three home runs, 11 extra-base hits, 13 RBIs, and four stolen bases with an OPS of .943.
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He has multiple hits in six of 14 games, and has three home runs in the last three games, including a multi-homer game on Saturday with his second one going a whopping 462 feet.
When the Dodgers signed Kim, they raved about his plus glove at second base. The team has also played him at shortstop and center field this spring, furthering his versatility.
The Dodgers need a spark, and Kim is the perfect option. He would be the everyday second baseman against right-handed pitching, allowing Tommy Edman to move to center field which would give L.A. two above-average defenders.
Additionally, he’d likely bat ninth, which would allow him to serve as a table setter for the top of the order.
Kim’s adjustments in Triple-A are already paying off, and the Dodgers desperately need a lineup spark on the big league roster.
It’s time to shake things up, and give Kim the opportunity he’s rightfully earned.
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Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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