Dodgers WBC Update: Hyeseong Kim concern, Shohei Ohtani heroics, Kiké Hernandez

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be facing a potential early-season roster wrinkle after utility infielder Hyeseong Kim suffered a hand injury during the World Baseball Classic while representing Korea.

Kim reportedly injured his hand while stealing a base in the 10th inning of Sunday’s game against Chinese Taipei and was held out of Korea’s lineup Monday against Australia as a precaution. If the injury proves minor, Kim could still return later in the tournament as Korea prepares for a likely knockout matchup against either the Dominican Republic or Venezuela.

The Dodgers will be watching closely, as Kim had been making a strong case this spring to open the season as the club’s starting second baseman while Tommy Edman recovers from offseason ankle surgery. With Edman expected to miss the start of the season, second base remains one of the few unsettled spots on an otherwise stacked roster.

If Kim were to miss additional time, veteran utility man Santiago Espinal — who has been swinging a hot bat this spring — could be the early favorite to fill the role on Opening Day. Prospects Alex Freeland and Ryan Fitzgerald also remain in big-league camp and could factor into the equation.

For now, the Dodgers will simply hope the injury is minor. Kim’s speed, versatility and defensive flexibility make him a valuable piece of the roster — especially with the club already navigating a few early-spring health questions.

Dodgers WBC Update: Shohei Ohtani already in midseason form for Japan

Representing Japan at the World Baseball Classic, Shohei Ohtani has opened the tournament in dominant fashion. The Dodgers superstar started 5-for-6 through the defending WBC champions' first two games, launching two home runs and driving in six runs while serving as the centerpiece of Japan’s offense.

His most jaw-dropping moment came Friday against Chinese Taipei, when Ohtani crushed a towering grand slam during Japan’s explosive 10-run second inning — a swing that effectively broke the game open and reminded the baseball world why he remains the sport’s most electrifying player.

For the Dodgers, the takeaway is simple: their biggest star looks ready for another massive season. If Ohtani carries this form back to Los Angeles when the WBC concludes, the rest of the National League could be in serious trouble.

Dodgers WBC Update: Kiké Hernández has strong impact on Puerto Rico, even while injured

Even while sidelined with an injury, Kiké Hernández is still finding a way to make an impact for Team Puerto Rico.

The Dodgers utility veteran is currently recovering from elbow surgery he underwent in November after playing through the injury late last season. Though the procedure forced him to miss the WBC, Hernández hasn’t let the setback stop him from supporting his native land.

Hernández spent time with the team during pool play in Puerto Rico, embracing the club’s tournament tradition by dyeing his hair platinum blonde and lending his well-known clubhouse energy to one of the youngest Puerto Rican rosters in the field.

He also played a key role behind the scenes in strengthening the roster, helping to recruit star third baseman Nolan Arenado to represent Puerto Rico, organizing a dinner with Arenado and fellow Dodgers teammate Edwin Díaz to explain the pride and culture behind playing for the island. Arenado ultimately joined the team — even embracing the platinum hair tradition himself.

Hernández attended Puerto Rico’s first two WBC games before returning to Dodgers camp to continue his rehabilitation. While he would have preferred to remain with the team for the entire tournament, the veteran understands his priority must be returning to full health for Los Angeles, with a target timeline of late May to come off the 60-day injured list.

Still, even from the sidelines, Hernández’s leadership presence hasn’t gone unnoticed — proving that his impact on Team Puerto Rico extends far beyond the field.