Los angeles: Kim Hye-seong is set for his season debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers this week after being recalled from the minors to step in for an injured veteran. The Dodgers brought the South Korean utility player up from Triple-A Oklahoma City before playing the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington on Sunday. All-Star shortstop Mookie Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain earlier in the day, and Kim will be filling in at shortstop in a platoon with Miguel Rojas, with Kim starting against right-handers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Betts suffered his injury during Saturday's game. After drawing a walk in the top of the first inning, Betts scored from first base on a double and then felt discomfort in his right lower back area while running the bases. An MRI later revealed the oblique strain, which the Dodgers believe Betts suffered on a checked swing during his lone plate appearance.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kim will likely start two out of three games in the Dodgers' upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The rematch of the 2025 World Series begins Monday.

Kim, now in his second season in the United States, had a strong spring training but still began the season in the minors, as the Dodgers wanted him to put in more work on his swing. He batted 11-for-27 (.407) in nine games but also struck out eight times while drawing just one walk.

In six games with Oklahoma City, Kim went 9-for-26 (.346) with seven strikeouts against four walks.

As a rookie in 2025, Kim batted .280/.314/.385 with three homers, 17 RBIs, and 13 steals in 71 games. He played three positions on the field -- second base, shortstop, and center field.

Kim joins San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo as the only two South Koreans currently on a big league roster.