Dodgers have opportunity to correct defensive failings as Hyeseong Kim rumors swirl

The Dodgers' seven errors in their first thirteen games have already cost them dearly, but they'd be hard-pressed to find a fan who wasn't sort of expecting this. Their decision to move Mookie Betts back to shortstop was indicative of a larger issue: the Dodgers trust their offense to make up for any defensive failings.

That's worked out for them a few times. During their series against the Braves, Betts' first error at shortstop allowed Atlanta's first run of the season to score, then two more from Max Muncy the next day opened the floodgates for a 5-0 Braves lead, before the Dodgers bounced back to win.

But it was never going to work out for them forever. During their series opener against the Nationals, Betts tacked on two more errors and Miguel Rojas picked up his first, two of which allowed Washington's first two runs to score. Andy Pages also hasn't been doing well in center field, which led to him getting benched for the first time this season on Monday. Still, the issue lies primarily with the Dodgers' infield.

The Dodgers have a prime solution just waiting in the wings. Hyeseong Kim has been starting in center field more often lately for the Oklahoma City Comets, presumably to replace Pages when his bat is ready, and the Dodgers should use his call-up, whenever it happens, as an opportunity to set some things straight.

Dodgers should use future Hyeseong Kim call-up as an opportunity to put an end to Mookie Betts' tenure at shortstop

Kim and Tommy Edman are defensive jacks-of-all trades for the Dodgers, and could both jump between shortstop and center field. That would leave Betts without a place in the outfield, given Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto's presences at the corners, but it would leave second open for Betts to shift back and at least provide more reassurance for the infield in Kim or Edman.

The Dodgers should do this but, infuriatingly, probably won't. Betts has also been stubborn about his switch over to short and has promised multiple times that he'll work hard at getting better. He's only made 10 starts at shortstop so far this season, but he also spent a lot of time there last season and struggled before the Dodgers finally moved him back to the outfield.

Thanks to their versatility, Kim and Edman wouldn't necessarily even have to push Betts off of shortstop permanently if they still want him to get reps there, but giving the infield as few opportunities to squander opportunities as they can just seems like a no-brainer.