Dodgers' Cold Platoon System... Kim Hye-seong Always Benched When Left-Handed Pitcher Appears
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- 2025-05-29 09:01:32
- Updated
- 2025-05-29 09:01:32
[Financial News] Kim Hye-seong (26) of the Los Angeles Dodgers has not faced a left-handed pitcher at all since his Major League debut. This is because the Dodgers, with their deep roster, are actively utilizing a platoon system that deploys batters according to the type of opposing pitcher.
Kim Hye-seong is only listed in the starting lineup for games where a right-handed pitcher is starting, and he is invariably substituted when the opposing team brings in a left-handed bullpen pitcher. On the 29th (Korean time), in an away game against the Cleveland Guardians, Kim Hye-seong was excluded from the starting lineup as Cleveland started left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard. The second baseman position was filled by right-handed batter Miguel Rojas, who alternates with Kim Hye-seong.
Even after Allard left the mound after pitching only 4 innings, Kim Hye-seong was not given a chance. Currently, Kim Hye-seong's season batting average is 0.366 (15 hits in 41 at-bats).
Kim Hye-seong is known as a batter whose hitting performance does not vary significantly depending on the type of pitcher. Contrary to the general belief that left-handed batters are strong against right-handed pitchers and vice versa, Kim Hye-seong had consistent results against both types of pitchers during his KBO League days. From 2017 to last year in the KBO League, Kim Hye-seong recorded a batting average of 0.296 against right-handed pitchers and 0.306 against left-handed pitchers, showing even stronger performance against left-handers.
However, in this season's exhibition games, Kim Hye-seong struggled against left-handed pitchers, going hitless in 6 at-bats with 3 strikeouts. In the minor leagues, he recorded a batting average of 0.290 against right-handed pitchers and 0.240 against left-handed pitchers.
Meanwhile, in the game where Kim Hye-seong was absent, the Dodgers suffered a 4-7 come-from-behind defeat to Cleveland.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter