The Los Angeles have a 10-1 victory over the Miami Marlins and may have found a new secret weapon from the Triple A.
After winning four Gold Globe Awards at Korean baseball organizations, Haisen Kim brought talent to Los Angeles through a $12.5 million contract. The difference in the speed of the MLB and KBO pitchers has brought their own difficulties for Kim, but after a minor’s .252 batting average and Tommy Edman’s injury, Kim made his debut on Saturday night.
More news: The place Evan Phillips on the injured list, a surprise move reminiscent of Matt Saur
His first two appearances were in defense, and as a pinch runner, Kim scored his first start on Monday, then recorded his first MLB hit and RBI.
He extended hit streak the following day, and in Wednesday’s series finale, Kim added another hit and RBI to his collection.
His recent performance has earned the respect of several of his superstar teammates, especially Shohei ohtani.
“Kim’s amazing performance,” Otani said after his first career start on Monday. “It’s really good, overall. Even yesterday. So I’m so happy with him.”
Kim is far from a normal-named player, especially given his .304 career batting average in eight seasons of KBO play, but he has admitted his feeling that he is a star track as he adapts to sharing the clubhouse with the glorious Otani.
“I don’t think he’s happy with him yet, because he’s a big star,” Kim said. “But he always talks to me first and he always asks questions and talks to me all the time, so it’s a good adjustment and adaptation.”
From adapting to pitching speeds in North America to adapting to now superstar teammates, Kim has a very wild ride to begin his MLB career.
“To be honest, I think everyone loves Heisenkim,” said manager Dave Roberts. “He’s just adding that spark to our ball club,” continued the skipper.
The head to Arizona and return to LA for a nine-game homestand before setting up a set of four games and completing a 10-game road trip.
Kim, who started straight in three times, appears to have made himself the main focus of the lineup for the time being.
More news: How Teoscar Hernandez Helped the to Breakout on Andy Page
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!