[Official] Even the manager who suffered a 'shocking fall' ultimately erased him... Kim Hye-seong of the LAD fails to join the 'expanded roster,' raising questions about his future standing

*This content was translated by AI.

Although Major League Baseball (MLB) implemented an expanded roster in September, Kim Hye-seong (28, Los Angeles Dodgers) was ultimately not included. Whether he will be called up for the remainder of the regular season, or even if the Los Angeles Dodgers advance to the postseason, remains uncertain.

On the 2nd (Korean time), the Dodgers executed roster moves in line with the September expansion that increased the active roster from 26 to 28 players.

First, the Dodgers recalled starting catcher Will Smith from the 60th-day injured list (IL). Additionally, catchers Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Robleski, who were on the injured list, rejoined the roster.

In return, outfielder Al Thomas was optioned to the minor league Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets for roster management. Catcher Ben Rortvedt was also designated for assignment (DFA).

The expanded call-up card from the minor leagues went to Alex Prieland, an infielder in the Dodgers' Triple-A system.

As a result, Kim Hye-seong, who had been quietly seeking opportunities at the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City while hoping for a call-up, saw his return derailed.

Kim Hye-seong began his first year in the big leagues last season with a smooth start, earning a World Series championship ring. This season, however, he started on the minor league Triple-A stage. When Mookie Betts suffered an injury, Kim was suddenly promoted to the big league roster and began playing on the field.

Of course, there were also concerns about demotion to the minors. At the time of Betts' return from injury, and again when Kike Hernandez returned from injury, local U.S. media predicted that Kim Hye-seong would be sent back to the minor leagues. Yet, it appeared Kim was continuing to receive playing opportunities under the trust of manager Roberts.

A change occurred for him on May 30. He was ultimately demoted to the minor league Triple-A level. For over three months, he failed to secure a call-up opportunity and continued playing in the minors; this time as well, he did not receive a call-up.

Kim Hye-seong's major league performance this season includes 43 games played, with a batting average of .259 (116 at-bats, 30 hits), one home run, three doubles, one triple, 17 RBIs, 19 runs scored, 31 strikeouts, 12 walks, five stolen bases (one failed attempt), an on-base percentage of .323, a slugging percentage of .328, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .651.

Kim Hye-seong's Triple-A performance this season includes 75 games played, a batting average of .272, 78 hits, three home runs, 27 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases.

Most disappointingly, he has been performing quite well in the Triple-A league recently.

In his last seven games at Triple-A, Kim Hye-seong was hitting powerfully with 12 hits in 25 at-bats, posting a .480 batting average. This suggested that if an expanded roster had been implemented, there was a possibility his name would have been called up.

Looking solely at August statistics, he recorded a .245 batting average, two home runs, 10 RBIs, seven stolen bases, and an OPS of .689—figures that were not significantly different from Prieland's (batting average .248, one home run, 10 RBIs, seven stolen bases, OPS .697) after his call-up.

However, the Dodgers' coaching staff ultimately selected Alex Prieland, a switch-hitter with high utility value as an infield backup, over Kim Hye-seong for the expanded roster spot.

With Kim Hye-seong failing to join the September expanded roster, his prospects for big league action have become even dimmer. Unless sudden variables such as additional injuries to the Dodgers' starting position players occur in the remaining games, it is unlikely that Kim will step onto the big league stage again this regular season. Furthermore, even if the Dodgers advance to the World Series, continuing on this path makes it difficult for him to appear on the World Series stage for a second consecutive year.

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*This content was translated by AI.