The Los Angeles Dodgers finally promoted Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City this weekend, and now we know why.
The club announced Saturday that utility man Tommy Edman has been placed on the injured list retroactive to April 30 with right ankle inflammation in a corresponding move to the Kim call-up. Edman had missed each of the Dodgers' last two games with ankle soreness. and will now be out at least another week.
Edman suffered the ankle injury while running the bases during Tuesday's game against the Miami Marlins. Manager Dave Roberts had told reporters prior to Friday's game that the team was waiting to see if Edman's ankle improved at all in the coming days before officially placing him on the IL.
Edman's injury is a tough blow to the Dodgers' lineup, as the 29-year-old is slashing .252/.295/.523 through 111 at-bats. His eight home runs are second on the team behind only Teoscar Hernández's 10. His earliest eligible return date from the IL is May 10.
Tommy Edman injury diagnosis creates opportunity for Hyeseong Kim with Dodgers
Edman has made 22 starts at second base for the Dodgers this season, compared to just seven at center field. With Andy Pages getting the bulk of the time in center, the Dodgers' keystone has featured a rotating cast of Kiké Hernández and Miguel Rojas in Edman's absence. Chris Taylor will also join the mix Saturday, when he is scheduled to start at second base against the Atlanta Braves.
Kim now has the opportunity to throw his hat into the ring in the Dodgers' infield mix if and when he makes his Major League debut. The former KBO standout, who signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with Los Angeles in January, has opened the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City after struggling offensively during his first spring training.
As has been customary for Kim throughout his career, he has played all over the diamond for Oklahoma City. He's made 12 starts at shortstop, nine in center field and seven at second base. At the plate, he's slashing .252/.328/.470 with a 105 wRC+, five home runs, eight doubles, a triple and 13 stolen bases.
It's not yet known when Kim will make his big league debut; but he will provide Los Angeles with some valuable infield depth when he does. If he can impress at the plate, he can have the opportunity to turn this call-up into a long-term stay with the Dodgers.
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