Kim Hye-seong, the LA Dodgers manager dropped a "here it is!" teaser in response to questions, stating that PS inclusion is under consideration with a fundamental answer.

*This content was translated by AI.

Dave Roberts (54), manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, mentioned the possibility of Kim Hye-seong joining for the postseason (PS). While he gave an unhesitating positive response to questions from local reporters, raising expectations, the prevailing interpretation is that it leans more toward a fundamental lip service than actual deployment.

According to Dodgers Beat, a media outlet primarily covering the Los Angeles Dodgers, manager Roberts was asked during a local interview on the 21st (Korea time) whether Kim Hye-seong is included in this year's team plans. The answer came as if he had been waiting for the question. Manager Roberts immediately replied "Yes" and stated, "We expect Kim Hye-seong to join us during the break before autumn baseball."

He also did not rule out the possibility of Kim Hye-seong making the postseason roster. Manager Roberts said, "Kim Hye-seong can run well, plays defense, and has stolen base ability," highlighting his utility and mobility value, then added, "He could potentially be a conversation for the postseason roster. He is indeed on the discussion table."

For domestic baseball fans, it is encouraging that the manager linked 'autumn baseball' and 'Kim Hye-seong' in one sentence. In short-term games like the postseason, the value of pinch runners and defensive replacements is maximized. Since Manager Roberts specifically pointed out Kim Hye-seong's base running and defensive skills, there is at least a basis for him to be used as the 'joker of autumn' depending on the situation. This is welcome news and a tempting teaser for fans both in Korea and abroad.

However, reading between the lines, the statement falls far short of a definitive answer. It is evaluated as more of a fundamental lip service filled with Manager Roberts' characteristic optimistic rhetoric.

In fact, Manager Roberts did not guarantee Kim Hye-seong's inclusion but repeatedly used the phrase "a subject of discussion." This is a typical diplomatic tactic used by Major League managers when announcing expanded rosters or postseason plans, keeping a broad pool of candidates open. Considering the Dodgers' tight infield depth during the intense autumn baseball competition, there remains a significant gap between being considered for the roster and actually making the final entry.

In fact, this season Kim Hye-seong posted ordinary statistics in 85 Triple-A games with a batting average of 0.262 (328 at-bats, 86 hits), 3 home runs, 31 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.675. In particular, his batting average in the second half after the All-Star break has remained at 0.248.

The manager's positive answer was dropped immediately with a "here it is!" as soon as the question was asked. It remains to be seen whether Manager Roberts' mention of Kim Hye-seong as a 'postseason card' will remain mere lip service or lead to an actual strategic move for the Dodgers in October.

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*This content was translated by AI.