The Dodgers on Monday activated pitcher Michael Kopech and infielder/outfielder Hyeseong Kim off the injured list, as expected, as their September additions as active roster limits expand from 26 to 28 players for the season’s final month.
“It feels like it’s been a long season. I’ve had two stints on the 60-day. You never want to go on the IL, but you definitely don’t want to miss this many games,” Kopech said Sunday. “I know we all have the same objective in mind — to go and win another championship. To not get to be a part of what it’s looked like so far, at least not as much, is disappointing. I’m eager to get back.”
Kim was sidelined since July 29 with left shoulder bursitis. In nine games on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City over the last two weeks, Kim hit .324/.368/.412 and reached base in all nine games. He played second base, shortstop, and center field with Oklahoma City, just like he has with the Dodgers this season. But he also played three games in left field with Oklahoma City, a position he last played in 2020 in the KBO.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kim would be in the mix to play some left field once returning.
“He’s been good, and the at-bat quality has been fine. He’ll be back with us on the road, so just kind of figuring out when he plays,” Roberts said Sunday. “This is his first year in the United States, and I think he’s done a fine job.”
The left-handed-batting Kim so far in the majors has essentially been a platoon player, with 87 percent of his plate appearances coming against right-handed pitchers.