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Dodgers Coach Compares Hyeseong Kim to Five-Time Defensive Player of the Year
TL;DR
Hyeseong Kim has impressed the Dodgers' coaching staff while filling in for injured Mookie Betts, starting 22 games at shortstop. Coach Chris Woodward compared Kim's defensive skills to five-time Defensive Player of the Year Andrelton Simmons.
Key points
- Hyeseong Kim started the season in Triple-A
- Kim has played 22 games at shortstop for the Dodgers
- Coach Chris Woodward compared Kim to Andrelton Simmons
- Simmons is a five-time Defensive Player of the Year
- Mookie Betts is out with a right oblique strain
Hyeseong KimMookie BettsAndrelton SimmonsLos Angeles Dodgers
After starting the season in Triple-A, utility Hyeseong Kim has impressed the Los Angeles Dodgers infield and first base coach with his performance at shortstop this season.
With Gold Glove shortstop Mookie Betts out with a right oblique strain, Kim has started in 22 games at shortstop for the Dodgers since April 5. Kim has made eight double plays and just three hours so far this season.
Dodgers infield and first base coach Chris Woodward drew a comparison between Kim and five-time Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Andrelton Simmons. The shortstop won those five DPOY awards and four Gold Gloves during his career with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels between 2012-20.
May 18, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) tags out Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Diego Castillo (64) during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“The talent he has, the work ethic, all the things combined, I’ve never seen a package quite like that,” Woodward said, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “I think Simmons at his peak was probably similar. The arm strength, the quickness, he might have been the best I’ve ever seen.
Q&A
How has Hyeseong Kim performed as the Dodgers' shortstop?
Hyeseong Kim has started 22 games at shortstop and made eight double plays with only three errors this season.
Who is Andrelton Simmons and why is he compared to Hyeseong Kim?
Andrelton Simmons is a five-time Defensive Player of the Year known for his exceptional fielding skills, which Dodgers coach Chris Woodward sees reflected in Kim's performance.
What happened to Mookie Betts that led to Hyeseong Kim's promotion?
Mookie Betts is currently out with a right oblique strain, allowing Kim to take over the shortstop position.
