The Los Angeles Dodgers have retained utility player Kim Hye-seong on their major league roster, opting to keep the 27-year-old infielder over veteran All-Star Santiago Espinal.
Kim was inserted into the starting lineup as the eighth-hitting second baseman for the home game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 26.
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The move came as the club prioritized Kim despite the return of Kiké Hernández to the active roster.
To make room, the Dodgers placed Espinal on designated for assignment status.
Internal Deliberations Behind the Decision
According to a report by U. S.
media outlet The Athletic, the roster decision followed internal discussions by the team leadership regarding the two players.
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"Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had to have a difficult conversation regarding Kim Hye-seong and Espinal before Kiké's return," The Athletic reported.
The choice allowed Kim to start against Colorado right-handed pitcher Tanner Gordon.
Entering the game, Kim maintained a . 255 batting average with 28 hits, one home run, and 10 RBIs across 40 appearances this season.
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The Dodgers led the National League West Division with 33 wins and 20 losses prior to the matchup, holding a 13.5-game advantage over the fifth-place Rockies.
