Kim Hye-sung left off Dodgers’ projected playoff roster
MLB.com projects the Dodgers' playoff roster without South Korean utility player Kim Hye-sung, who has struggled in triple-A since May.
South Korean utility player Kim Hye-sung has been excluded from MLB.com's early projection of the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2024 playoff roster, according to reporting from Star News Korea on 7 August.
The official MLB website outlined a potential postseason lineup featuring Will Smith (catcher), Freddie Freeman (first base), and Shohei Ohtani (designated hitter), alongside a bench of five utility players: Ben Rortvedt, Dalton Rushing, Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernández, and Alex Cole. Kim's name did not appear on either list.
The 27-year-old was demoted to triple-A in late May after beginning the season in the minor leagues. Over three months later, he has yet to receive a recall to the major league roster. His 2024 MLB performance spans 43 games with a .259 batting average, one home run, and a .651 on-base plus slugging percentage. Recent form in triple-A has been sparse: over his last 15 games, Kim posted a .186 batting average with no extra-base hits and 16 strikeouts.
Local media outlet Dodgers After Duty has suggested that a trade to another franchise, including the Los Angeles Angels, may be necessary for Kim to regain playing time.
