Dodgers Optioning Hyeseong Kim in Surprise Move

The Los Angeles Dodgers are optioning infielder Hyeseong Kim, per Jack Harris of the California Post.

Hyeseong Kim is being optioned, per source

Espinal has been re-signed https://t.co/41onbyWi50
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) May 29, 2026

Kim is being replaced on the roster by Santiago Espinal, who went through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment earlier this week.

The Dodgers are adding a much-needed right-handed bat with Espinal following the injuries to Kiké Hernández (oblique) and Teoscar Hernández (hamstring). As for Kim, he goes back to the minor leagues amid his struggles as of late.

Why Are the Dodgers Optioning Hyeseong Kim?

It's been a rollercoaster season for Kim, who opened the season in Triple-A after losing the initial roster battle to Freeland.

Kim was then called up when Mookie Betts went on the injured list, and took full advantage of his opportunity.

In April, Kim hit .296 with one home run, nine RBIs and an OPS of .726. He also played great defense and brought speed on the base paths.

However, in May, he hit .226 with zero home runs, two RBIs and an OPS of .511.

Kim's roster spot has been in jeopardy over the last few weeks, but he's continued to be saved by injuries.

First, Kim was at risk of being sent down when Kiké Hernández returned. While he survived the initial move, it was reported that Freeland was coming up to replace Kim before Hernández got hurt. Instead, Freeland replaced Hernández.

Then, Kim was again at risk of losing his spot, as he was already going to lose playing time to Freeland. However, Teoscar Hernández's injury appeared to keep him safe again.

With the two right-handed bats injured, though, the Dodgers wanted to add another righty to the mix. Once Espinal cleared waivers, it made sense to bring him back to LA, and move the left-handed Kim back to the minor leagues.

Manager Dave Roberts seemed to hint at Kim being in trouble when discussing Freeland's playing time earlier this week.

“It’s a little tricky,” Roberts said of finding opportunities for both Freeland and Kim. “I’m going to give Freeland a little bit more runway. I think that in the last — call it four weeks — Hyeseong has had a lot of runway, certainly versus right-handed pitching and I think right now [I will] skew it more towards Alex getting more of the opportunities.”

Now, Freeland will seemingly get all the opportunities while Kim goes back to the minor leagues.

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