Kim Hye-seong's Return to the Big Leagues Falls Through... Excluded from September Expanded Roster

Kim Hye-seong (27), who plays for the Oklahoma City Comets, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has seen his return to Major League Baseball (MLB) fall through.

As the active roster expanded from 26 to 28 players with the implementation of the September expanded roster today (September 2, Korean time), the Dodgers activated catcher Will Smith from the 60-day injured list (IL).

Catcher Dalton Rushing and left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski also returned from the IL, while infielder Alex Freeland newly joined the active roster.

To clear space, outfielder Alek Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and catcher Ben Rortvedt was designated for assignment.

While there had initially been speculation about the possibility of Kim being called up as a backup infielder, the Dodgers ultimately chose switch-hitting infielder Freeland.

The Dodgers opted to utilize Freeland, who can play secondbase against right-handed pitchers, and shift Tommy Edman to the outfield to broaden their operational flexibility.

This season in the big leagues, Kim has recorded a batting average of 0.259 with 30 hits, 1 home run, 11 RBIs, and 5 stolen bases in 43 games.

In Triple-A, he posted a batting average of 0.272 with 78 hits, 3 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 75 games.

Regarding the roster changes, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts drew a line, stating, "Now is the time to decide on the players we will take with us to the postseason."

Excluded from the expanded roster call-up list, it appears difficult for Kim to return to the majors this season barring variables such as injuries to existing players.

The return of starting catcher Smith, who was sidelined for nearly three months due to a herniated neck disc, is expected to inject energy into the recently slumping Dodgers batting lineup.

Wrobleski, who has recovered from forearm inflammation, will take on a long-relief role in the bullpen for the remainder of the season.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.