The Los Angeles Dodgers sent Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A Oklahoma City before their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at home on Friday. This move follows a tough season for the South Korean infielder, who has recently been struggling offensively.
In a related change, the Dodgers re-signed infielder Santiago Espinal after he cleared waivers and became a free agent, following his designation for assignment to make space for Kiké Hernández. Hernández is currently on the injured list due to a “significant tear” in his oblique.
Dodger fans expressed their shock at the organization’s move, with many calling out the management for disrespecting the Korean by sending him to the minor leagues.
“Never seen the dodgers disrespect a player quite like they have with Kim,” one fan commented.
“The worst mistake Kim made in his career was to sign with the Dodgers. No respect for him,” another fan commented.
“The Kim disrespect is so crazy. He’s better than half the team,” yet another fan commented.
Some fans also highlighted the infielder’s quick skills, recommending he stay on the roster, as he could be a valuable addition to any major league team.
“Probably the only Dodger that can score from first on a double. Not sure about this. I say let him hit his way out of a slump. Coach him up. He has too many intangibles. Best utility player out in the field,” one fan commented.
“It sucks so much because I am sure on any other team this would not have happened. One of the few times I hope he gets traded to get a sure spot on a team, as he deserves,” another fan commented.
“Not a fan of sending HSK down. If this is just to get his bat going, then I get it. He’s a great athlete and a playmaker anywhere on the field,” yet another fan commented.
Who Fills the Spot at 2B in the Absence of Hyeseong Kim?
Manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media before the series opener against the Phillies at Dodger Stadium. He provided updates on key roster moves and shared important injury updates on top players. While discussing the decision regarding Kim, Roberts also revealed who the team plans to play at 2B now that the South Korean has moved down to Triple-A.
“We sent down Hyeseong Kim. We optioned him just to kind of get Hyeseong back on track to get some regular at-bats. We’re going to give Alex Freeland a little bit more runway at second base. And then we also brought Ryan Ward back to play some outfield,” Roberts said.
“So he’s having a really nice year down in AAA. So he’ll get a start this weekend, probably Sunday. And then we also signed back, Santiago Espinal. So he cleared waivers, so Espy is back with us. And he’ll be in the lineup tomorrow,” he added.
The NL West-leading team will play a three-game series against the Phillies over the weekend, then head on the road for a four-game intra-divisional series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field starting Monday.
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