The knockout rounds of the 2026 World Baseball Classic are set to begin this weekend, with a juggernaut of countries highlighting the quarterfinals. 

Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Italy, the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Korea, and defending champions Samurai Japan are the last countries remaining. 

Korea advanced from Pool B despite being in a three-way tie with Chinese Taipei and Australia at 2-2. They broke the tie by not only defeating Australia 7-2, but also advancing via the tie-breaker rule. 

Despite the crucial win for Team Korea, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim was noticeably absent from the lineup. 

Kim had started the first three games of pool play for Team Korea at second base and batted within the top three spots in the starting lineup. 

In 10 at-bats for Team Korea, Kim's lone hit was a home run, and he recorded a batting average of .100. He cashed in two RBIs as well, but his defensive production at second base was more than valuable. 

This was even more evident as Kim was on a heater at Dodgers camp before leaving to play for Korea. 

Even in a small sample size, Kim went 9-for-13 in Cactus League play with one home run and an OPS of 1.154. 

Before departing for the WBC, Kim was the frontrunner for the Dodgers' starting second baseman job. 

Potential trouble struck unknowingly after Kim stole second in the 10th inning of Korea's game against Chinese Taipei. This is where Kim injured his left hand and would not be in the starting lineup the next day.

At the time, the status of Kim's condition was unknown. But when Korea celebrated after beating Australia, Kim was seen celebrating with his fellow countrymen with a bandage on his left hand. 

We finally received news on Kim's hand, and it was positive.

According to Team Korea's manager, Ji-Hyun Ryu, he told the Korean media that Kim was well enough to play in the Australia game at the last minute. 

He followed that up by saying that, in the current moment, there should be no issue in Kim playing for Korea in the knockout rounds. 

This news should have no impact on who the Dodgers will choose for the starting second baseman. 

Other factors may lessen Kim's chances, with dark horse Santiago Espinal having himself a spring to remember. 

The starting second base job is still objective No. 1 for Kim, but the quicker he returns to Dodgers camp, the better. 

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