The Los Angeles Dodgers organization was alarmed after learning of the injury to South Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim during his participation with the South Korean national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The player suffered a left hand injury while attempting to steal a base during a game against Chinese Taipei, in a play that occurred in extra innings of the game.
The play that caused the injury
The incident occurred when Kim attempted to steal second base during the World Baseball Classic game. In the attempt, the player injured his left hand, which caused immediate concern for both the Korean team and the Dodgers.
After the blow, the player was unable to participate in Korea’s next game against Australia, which ended in a 7-2 victory for the Asians.
The infielder was even seen with a light bandage on his hand, as the coaching staff assessed the extent of the injury.
Initial concern in Los Angeles
The injury raised immediate alarm bells for the Dodgers, as Kim is one of the candidates to fill the team’s second base position for the 2026 MLB season.
The Korean had been showing good form during spring training before traveling to the international tournament, with outstanding numbers in Spring Training:
- Batting average: .462
- OPS: 1.154
- 1 home run
- 5 runs batted in
- 2 stolen bases
That’s why any physical problem could affect the team’s plans for the start of the season.
The good news for the Dodgers
Despite the initial scare, the first evaluations indicate that the injury is not serious.
Reports close to the team indicate that the hand problem “is not something of great concern”, which reduces the possibility of a prolonged absence.
Even so, the Dodgers will keep a close eye on the player’s progress as the World Baseball Classic continues.
A key player in development
The 27-year-old joined the Dodgers in 2025 after excelling in the Korean league with the Kiwoom Heroes, signing a three-year contract with the Los Angeles franchise.
The versatile player can play mainly as a second baseman, although he has also worked to adapt to other positions in the field. The Los Angeles Dodgers are monitoring his development ahead of the season.
Kim’s progress in the coming days will be key to determining whether he will be able to return to action quickly or whether the Dodgers will have to adjust their plans for the start of the 2026 campaign
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