abeautyhealthy.com

The San Diego Padres’ Kim Ha-seong is closing in on a triple-digit batting average. He’s hit over .300 three times in his seven seasons in the KBO, but hasn’t come close since crossing the Pacific.

After batting .202 (54-for-267) in limited plate appearances in 2021 when he joined San Diego, Kim broke into the lineup last year and batted .251 (130-for-517),바카라사이트 finally putting himself in position to break the .300 mark this season.

Kim started at first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on 12 December (KST) and went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, and one RBI in a 10-5 win.

Kim, who has hit safely in 16 consecutive games since May 25 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, raised his average to .290 (108-for-373) with 42 RBI and 63 runs scored. It’s the first time he’s been in the 2-for-9 range since 5 April, when the season was in its infancy. In fact, it’s a first.

He is 15th overall and eighth in the National League (NL) in batting among 140 players with at least one plate appearance. In the second half, he’s batting .378 (37-for-98), second only to Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (.427), and fourth in slugging percentage (.469).

What stands out is that he doesn’t get fooled by pitches and is aggressive with strikes. In 438 at-bats this season, Kim has a 20.1 per cent strikeout rate and a 12.8 per cent walk rate. In the second half of the season, his strikeout rate is 12.8 per cent and his walk rate is 15.4 per cent. This is thanks to his precise delivery.

With more hits and fewer walks and fewer strikeouts, all of his offensive numbers should improve.

Jake Cronenweth is greeted by Manny Machado after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. AFP
In an article highlighting Kim’s performance, MLB.com wrote, “After going 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and a run scored, Kim is now tied for first in the league in ongoing hitting streaks with 16 games, tying the most by a Korean-born player, set by Cincinnati Reds’ Shin-Soo Choo in 2013. I learnt and experienced a lot of advice on how to survive in the major leagues, especially watching the games from the dugout.

Kim told the media, “I believe in myself. If you work hard every day and night, you will eventually get results. I just have to believe in myself.”

San Diego head coach Bob Melvin said, “It’s great. He’s been fantastic all season. He’s the most consistent player on our team.”

“His patience at the plate has been the key to his success this season,” said MLB.com, “as he’s reduced the percentage of pitches outside the strike zone from 24.9 percent last year to 19.3 percent this year, which has allowed him to increase his walk rate to 12.9 percent, ranking 16th in the league. That’s why he ranks ninth in both leagues in on-base percentage (.384) and 15th in slugging percentage.

“Among players who have started at least 30 games in the leadoff spot this year, he ranks first in slugging percentage (.434), fourth in on-base percentage (.535) and third in batting average (.327).” “Since moving to the leadoff spot, Kim has provided the team with the power it needs.