Hyeseong

Kim

Kim blistered a two-run homer deep to right off Bryce Miller. It’s the third MLB homer for Kim, and he ends his first campaign with a .280/.315/.388 slash. The 26-year-old will be a utility option for the Dodgers in their postseason run.

Kim, who appeared off the bench Tuesday and Wednesday, is starting over Alex Freeland at second base tonight. One of those two is likely facing a demotion to Triple-A once Max Muncy and Tommy Edman are activated (Justin Dean will likely be the first player cut to open up a spot).

Kim, who had been out with shoulder bursitis, went 11-for-34 in a nine-game rehab assignment that saw him play left field three times, shortstop twice and center field and second base once apiece. He’s hit ,268/.337/.456 in the majors this season, in spite of a poor 29% strikeout rate and a 29% hard-hit rate in 146 plate appearances. The Dodgers will probably give him a lot of playing time this week to see if it’ll be worth keeping him in the lineup down the stretch. If he struggles, he could find himself buried once Max Muncy and Tommy Edman return.

Kim kicked off a rehab assignment earlier this week as he works his way back from left shoulder bursitis. It’s a bit unclear what type of role he’ll have with the Dodgers once he’s ready to return, but he figures to come off the bench as a multi-position utility specialist.

Bad timing for Kim, what with Max Muncy and Enrique Hernández both on the IL and Tommy Edman banged up. He already missed Sunday’s game with the problem, but he was able to play Monday. Alex Freeland is being called up to fill in for him.

Roberts added that the right ankle issue flared up during Sunday’s game against the Red Sox while Edman was running the bases. The versatile 30-year-old sat out Monday’s opener versus the Reds, and with Hyeseong Kim (shoulder) also banged up, it’s no surprise the Dodgers are calling up infield prospect Alex Freeland.

Kim is back at second base and batting seventh on Monday evening at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati following a one-game absence due to a lingering shoulder ailment. It doesn’t appear to be a significant concern, but the Dodgers are likely to be cautious with his workload over the next few days.

As expected, Kim will take a seat as the Dodgers attempt to manage a lingering shoulder issue that he’s been playing through. There’s been no indication that he’s at risk of landing on the injured list, but that remains a possibility if he’s not feeling better in a couple days.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Kim has been dealing with a shoulder issue over the past week, so the Dodger want to give the 26-year-old a day off. Mookie Betts (personal) is expected back Sunday, so it’ll likely be Betts at shortstop with Miguel Rojas sliding over to second base.

Edman will make his second straight appearance at the hot corner on Saturday afternoon as the Dodgers attempt to replace Max Muncy (knee) for at least the next couple weeks. It’s a notable development since the decision should open up an avenue to regular at-bats for rookie Hyeseong Kim at second base.