The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned utility player Hyeseong Kim to Triple-A just ahead of the beginning of the regular season Sunday.
The 27-year-old has been battling for the final spot in the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster all spring, with his main competition being No. 4 prospect Alex Freeland. Second baseman Tommy Edman will miss Opening Day while recovering from surgery on his ankle, opening the likeliest spot for Freeland to play now that Kim is in the minor leagues. The Dodgers also added Santiago Espinal to their 40-man roster, and he will also be in contention for the spot.