Manager Roberts' Broken Promise: Kim Hye-sung Gets Zero At-Bats Despite .372 Average

The Frustrating Reality of Kim Hye-sung's Bench Time

It's becoming increasingly difficult to watch. Kim Hye-sung, boasting an impressive .372 batting average, found himself glued to the bench for three consecutive games at Coors Field, one of baseball's most hitter-friendly parks. The 27-year-old Korean infielder didn't see a single at-bat during the Dodgers' series against the Colorado Rockies from June 25-27, despite manager Dave Roberts' earlier promises of increased playing time.

The irony couldn't be more stark. Here's a player performing at an elite level, yet he's relegated to spectator status in what's known as the "pitcher's graveyard" - a ballpark where offensive numbers typically inflate. For international fans following Kim's journey, this situation represents a frustrating glimpse into the complexities of Major League Baseball roster management and the sometimes puzzling decisions that can sideline talented players.

Roberts' Empty Promises: From Hope to Disappointment

Just weeks earlier, manager Dave Roberts had expressed optimism about Kim Hye-sung's future role with the team. In mid-June, Roberts publicly stated his intention to give Kim more opportunities, praising his outstanding performance and adaptation to Major League Baseball. "Kim Hye-sung has been showing outstanding performance," Roberts had said, suggesting that the Korean player's chances would increase.

However, these words now ring hollow as Kim sat through three straight games without a single plate appearance. The only action he saw was a brief defensive stint in center field during the 9th inning of the second game - hardly the increased opportunities Roberts had promised. This disconnect between managerial statements and actual deployment has become a source of growing frustration among fans and media observers alike.

The Platoon System Controversy: When Numbers Don't Matter

The most perplexing aspect of Kim's benching is the context in which it occurred. The Dodgers faced right-handed starting pitchers in both the first and second games of the Colorado series - Herman Marquez and Chase Dollander respectively. Given that Kim is a left-handed batter who theoretically should have an advantage against right-handed pitching, his absence from the lineup raised eyebrows.

Roberts has consistently employed Kim in a strict platoon system, primarily using him against right-handed pitchers while keeping him on the bench against lefties. However, even this system seems to have broken down, as Kim was benched against righties in Colorado. The manager's rigid adherence to this approach, despite Kim's exceptional performance, has drawn criticism from baseball analysts who argue that a .372 batting average should transcend platoon considerations.

American Media Erupts: "The Dodgers Don't Trust Kim"

The situation has reached a boiling point with American sports media, who have begun openly criticizing Roberts' handling of Kim Hye-sung. Dodgers-focused publication "Dodgers Way" delivered a scathing assessment, stating that "the LA Dodgers seem to still not believe in Kim Hye-sung" and accused the organization of creating "another obstacle" for the Korean player.

The criticism extends beyond just playing time allocation. Media outlets have pointed to the stark contrast between Kim's production and that of Michael Conforto, who continues to receive regular playing time despite hitting just .171 with a .588 OPS in 60 games. ESPN and other major sports networks have begun questioning Roberts' deployment strategy, with some analysts suggesting that keeping a player with Kim's numbers on the bench defies conventional baseball wisdom.

Fan Outrage and Social Media Backlash

The disconnect between Kim's performance and his playing time has sparked widespread outrage among Dodgers fans and Korean baseball enthusiasts worldwide. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism of Roberts' decision-making, with fans questioning how a player with nearly a .400 batting average can be consistently benched.

Online communities have been particularly vocal about the perceived unfairness of the situation. Many fans have pointed out that Kim's contract - a relatively modest $3.5 million annually - shouldn't determine his playing time when his on-field production far exceeds that of higher-paid teammates. The hashtag movements and fan campaigns demanding more playing time for Kim have gained traction across multiple platforms, reflecting the growing international interest in his Major League career.

The Financial Factor: Contract Size vs. Performance

One of the underlying issues in Kim's situation appears to be the financial investment the Dodgers have made in other players. Michael Conforto, signed to a $17 million annual contract, continues to receive regular playing time despite significantly inferior numbers. This has led to speculation that the Dodgers feel compelled to justify their larger financial investment, even when performance metrics suggest otherwise.

Kim's relatively modest contract - part of a 5-year, $22 million deal with opt-out clauses - may actually be working against him in terms of playing time allocation. The organization's reluctance to bench higher-paid veterans in favor of outperforming younger players reflects a common challenge in professional sports, where financial considerations sometimes override pure performance metrics.

International Perspective: What This Means for Korean Baseball

For Korean baseball fans and the broader international community following Kim's career, this situation represents more than just individual playing time disputes. Kim's success in Major League Baseball serves as a source of national pride and inspiration for young Korean players aspiring to reach the highest level of professional baseball.

The current controversy highlights the cultural and systemic challenges that international players often face in Major League Baseball, where traditional approaches to roster management can sometimes overshadow exceptional individual performance. Kim's situation has become a talking point in Korean sports media, with many outlets drawing parallels to other Korean players who have faced similar challenges in establishing themselves as everyday players in MLB.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Regular Playing Time

Despite the current frustrations, Kim Hye-sung's exceptional performance suggests that his situation may eventually resolve in his favor. His .372 batting average, combined with solid defensive versatility, makes him too valuable to keep on the bench indefinitely. The growing media criticism and fan pressure may also influence Roberts' future decisions regarding Kim's deployment.

The upcoming schedule and potential roster moves could provide new opportunities for Kim to establish himself as an everyday player. With the trade deadline approaching and the Dodgers' championship aspirations requiring optimal roster utilization, the organization may be forced to prioritize performance over other considerations. For international fans following this story, Kim's perseverance through this challenging period may ultimately lead to the breakthrough moment that establishes him as a regular contributor to one of baseball's most successful franchises.