Kim Hye-seong (27, LA Dodgers) has survived another roster battle. After competitor Alex Freeland (24) was optioned to Triple-A, Kim’s place on the major league roster was secured, drawing praise from Dodgers broadcasters.

The Dodgers reinstated shortstop Mookie Betts from the injured list on May 12 (KST) ahead of their game against the San Francisco Giants, sending second baseman Freeland to Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. This meant Kim Hye-seong, who had initially lost the Opening Day roster spot to Freeland, came out on top in the second round of competition.

Kim himself was surprised by the decision. Dodgers play-by-play announcer Joe Davis of SportsNet LA revealed during Kim’s at-bat in the fourth inning that he had asked Kim how nervous he was. “He said he was pretty nervous, and that he found out through the internet like everyone else. He was really surprised and thought he was the one being sent down,” Davis recounted.

Analyst Orel Hershiser understood Kim’s mindset, saying, “Most of the two or three players in that situation are thinking, ‘I’m going down.’ It’s to protect themselves from disappointment. If you mentally think you’re going down and then hear good news, adrenaline surges instead of depression.”

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Manager Dave Roberts explained the decision to send down Freeland: “Ultimately, Kim Hye-seong performed better. We thought it was right to give him an opportunity based on what he’s shown. I feel it was a fair decision. Freeland did everything we asked of him. He understood and accepted the situation, but it was a tough conversation.” Freeland had started as the primary second baseman, batting .235 (23-for-98) with two home runs, eight RBIs, and a .636 OPS in 33 games before being demoted.

The decision drew favorable reactions. Two-time American League batting champion and former shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, now a Dodgers analyst for SportsNet LA, praised Kim on the pregame show: “I give Kim credit. He outplayed Freeland in spring training but started the season in Oklahoma City. He apologized to fans for not making the roster, said he’d keep working hard to come back. And that’s exactly what he did. He focused on getting better in the minors, and he’s continued to perform well since being called up. He’s hitting close to .300, playing good defense. He’s proven he belongs here again.”

Another analyst, utility infielder Jerry Hairston Jr., emphasized Kim’s unique value: “I really hope Kim does well. Because at Double-A, Triple-A, or the major league level, there’s no other player like him. His speed is unmatched. He can change a game just by getting on base. That affects the next hitters, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.” Hairston added, “Kim keeps getting better. I hope he continues to improve. Again, there’s no other player like Kim on this team. When Tommy Edman returns, another decision will be needed, but Kim can come off the bench as a pinch runner and play shortstop, second base, even outfield. I want to see him keep showing what he can do.”

In the game on May 12, Kim started at second base and batted ninth, going 0-for-2. In his first at-bat with a runner on second and no outs in the third inning, he swung at the first pitch and grounded out to third. He was seen talking to Roberts in the dugout after the at-bat. He struck out swinging in the fourth inning and was replaced by Miguel Rojas as a pinch hitter in the sixth when San Francisco brought in lefty Matt Gage.

Kim’s season stats now stand at a .282 batting average (22-for-78), one home run, eight RBIs, and a .729 OPS over 30 games. Although he has cooled off recently—0-for-8 with one walk and five strikeouts over his last four games—the fact that he survived the roster crunch means there’s no need to rush.

With Betts back, Kim will focus on his primary position at second base. Roberts indicated he will use a platoon at second base between Kim and Rojas for now. This gives Kim a chance to settle into a familiar defensive role, reduce defensive pressure, and regain his batting form.