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On April 4, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts exited the game against the Washington Nationals with an oblique injury. Since then, the All-Star has found himself on the injury list.

Losing Betts is the last thing the reigning World Series wanted to happen However, his replacement has made quite the splash in Betts’ absence.

Hyeseong Kim signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers in January of 2025. During his rookie season, Kim transformed into a key utility player.

To many fans’ surprise at the start of 2026, Kim was left off the 40-man roster. With Betts’ injury, Kim has proved that he is a vital part to this Dodgers’ team.

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Dave Roberts Praises Hyeseong Kim During Hot Streak

In the 18 games Hyeseong Kim has played with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, he is batting .333, has a home run, seven RBIs, and and have stolen bases.

Not to mention, Kim recorded three straight multi-hit games. Including four multi games out of his last seven.

Kim’s offense is not the only valuable part of his game, he has been incredible on defense. In Korea, Kim won a Gold Glove, so it’s no surprise the speedster is dominating at shortstop.

Dave Roberts spoke to the media about a week after calling up Kim, discussing his continued impact since Betts’ injury.

“I always say, I mean, I always think it, it’s just like when he plays, he always does something to help the team win,” Roberts said of Kim. “He really does. And it’s good he’s getting some runway.”

Following his 4-for-11 performance in their series against the Chicago Cubs, Dave Roberts added that Kim is a spark plug the Dodgers needed.

“It seems like every time he gets out there, he does something to help us win,” Roberts recently said of Kim. “So, can’t give him any [higher] praise. He’s always prepared, and he is a spark plug for us, on both sides of the baseball.”

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Dodgers Have to Decide Between Hyeseong Kim And Alex Freeland

Following Spring Training, Dave Roberts announced that Alex Freeland would be making the Dodgers’ roster over Hyeseong Kim. Many fans were surprised by the decision, however Roberts justified it by explaining that Triple-A gave Kim the opportunity to play everyday, while the big leagues gave Freeland a chance to prove himself.

“I think the driver as far as the outset, is giving Hyeseong the opportunity to play every day, play all over the diamond; he’s going to play some short, some center, some second base there,” Roberts said regarding his decision to leave Kim off the roster. “Whereas here, he wouldn’t have the runway to play more frequently.”

“I think with Alex, what he’s done in Triple-A already, he’s played well there and there’s really nothing left for him to prove there,” Roberts stated. “So I think for us to give him a little bit of runway to see what we have in him, give him an opportunity to play here for us against right-handed pitching and just kind of see where it goes.

Roberts quoted it as the “toughest decision of the spring.”

Now that both infielders are playing at Dodger Stadium, it leaves us all wondering, who will be sent back down once Mookie Betts returns?

In limited time, Kim’s splits are .333/.404/.444, while Freeland’s are .235/.303/.338.

It’s still weeks out before Betts is set to return, but the Dodgers have a big decision to make regarding the future of these players.