Kim Hye-seong, the breakout star who took fans by surprise for the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, has found himself increasingly absent from the team’s starting lineup as the postseason approaches.

After suffering a shoulder injury in late July and spending time off the roster, Kim returned to action earlier this month. However, whether due to lingering injury effects or a lack of form, his recent performances at the plate have not matched his earlier season prowess.

As of September 24 (Korean time), Kim holds a respectable .283 batting average for the season, with 2 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) stands at a solid 0.694.

Since returning from injury, however, his numbers have dropped considerably. In eight games played so far this September, Kim’s batting average is just .071 (1 hit in 14 at-bats), and his OPS has fallen to a mere 0.204.

These struggles have cost him a regular spot in the starting lineup. Kim has not started a game since September 8, and over the past two weeks has only appeared as a defensive substitute or pinch runner on September 9, 11, and 15.

Kim’s lackluster batting is the primary reason for his dwindling opportunities, but the Dodgers’ need to prepare for the postseason after securing the National League West division title is another significant factor limiting his chances.

As of September 24, the Dodgers lead the division at 88 wins and 68 losses, with a .564 win rate. They currently maintain a slim 2.5-game lead over the second-place San Diego Padres, with both teams having clinched postseason berths, yet still battling for first place in the division.

With only six regular season games remaining, the Dodgers need just three more wins to secure the division title—their magic number is now three.

The Dodgers boast a roster full of experienced veterans capable of covering both infield and outfield positions, such as Tommy Edman, Kiké Hernández, and Miguel Rojas. Unless injury strikes one of these key players, it appears unlikely that Kim will make the Dodgers’ postseason roster.

Major League Baseball postseason rosters are capped at 26 players, with a maximum of 13 pitchers. To be eligible, players must have been on the team’s 40-man roster or injured list as of the end of August, a requirement Kim currently fulfills.

As the saying goes, “Experience is irreplaceable”—a notion that rings true in the pressure of the postseason. The aforementioned Hernández, Rojas, and Edman are battle-hardened veterans with significant playoff experience. Hernández, in particular, has earned a reputation as “Mr. October.” Since 2015, he’s played in the postseason nine times, amassing an impressive .278 batting average, 15 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a remarkable .874 OPS.

Manager Dave Roberts’ preference for veteran players is another factor working against Kim’s inclusion in the postseason roster. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani’s expected role as an outfielder during the postseason to enable him to pitch in relief further reduces the available spots for position players, making selection even more competitive for Kim.

Nonetheless, Kim remains eligible for postseason selection thanks to his inclusion on the team’s 40-man roster and injury list at the end of August. This status grants him the opportunity to travel with the team and be added if needed, though barring unforeseen circumstances, it is unlikely he will see action during the first round of the playoffs, the National League Division Series (NLDS).

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Kim Hye-seong, Kiké Hernández, Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas ©MHN DB