ATLANTA -- The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant move on Saturday, recalling South Korean All-Star Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City while placing second baseman Tommy Edman on the injured list due to a sore right ankle. This call-up marks a pivotal moment for Kim, who is on the verge of making his Major League Baseball debut.
Kim, who signed a $12.5 million, three-year contract with the Dodgers on January 3, opened the 2025 season with the Oklahoma City Dodgers and has been impressive in the minor leagues. In 28 games, he posted a batting average of .252, hitting five home runs, driving in 19 RBIs, and stealing 13 bases. His versatility as a middle infielder and outfielder played a crucial role in the Dodgers' decision to bring him up.
Edman was placed on the injured list retroactive to April 30, after he missed two games due to his ankle soreness. He ranks second on the team with eight home runs and 24 RBIs, making his absence a significant loss for the Dodgers. "Tommy ran yesterday and just still didn't feel great," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Braves. "There's still some soreness in the ankle. He didn't feel he could play tonight or even tomorrow potentially." Roberts expects Edman to spend the minimum 10 days on the injured list.
As the Dodgers faced the Braves, Chris Taylor was listed as the starting second baseman. The game was delayed for over three hours due to rain and lightning, but the anticipation for Kim's debut remains high. Kim entered the game in the ninth inning of a 10-3 victory, marking his first appearance in the majors.
"I'll figure it out to see if there's an opportunity to start," Roberts said before the game. "Right now, he can come off the bench and fill in at certain spots." Kim's debut is particularly noteworthy as he is set to become the 28th Korean player in MLB history, a list that includes notable names such as Park Chan-ho, who debuted with the Dodgers on April 9, 1994, and Lee Jung-hoo, who joined the San Francisco Giants in 2024.
Kim expressed his excitement about the call-up, saying, "I was very surprised [about being called up]. After the game [Friday] night, our Triple-A manager announced that [I] was going to go to The Show. I came here with a very happy and excited mindset. I’m very excited right now." His journey to the MLB has been remarkable, having played eight seasons in South Korea, primarily with the Kiwoom Heroes.
The Dodgers' decision to promote Kim reflects their confidence in his abilities and the need for depth in their roster during Edman's absence. With the team looking to maintain its competitive edge, Kim's performance will be closely monitored as he adjusts to the challenges of Major League Baseball.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Kim to see how he adapts to the big leagues and contributes to the Dodgers' success. The anticipation surrounding his debut adds an exciting layer to the ongoing MLB season, and fans are eager to see what this talented infielder can bring to the field.
