The San Diego Padres' $15 million acquisition, Sung-Mun Song, remains sidelined, working back from injury in Triple-A with no clear return date in sight.
The San Diego Padres are heading into Tuesday’s game at a .500 record with five wins and five losses. Lined up against a new and improved Pittsburgh Pirates team, the Friars will be looking to clinch the series win after defeating the Pirates 5-0 on Monday.
They’ll have to continue to do so without their biggest acquisition of the offseason in infielder Sung-Mun Song. Despite signing for $15 million over four years during the winter, Song has still not made his major league debut.
The 29-year-old began the season on the injured list due to an oblique strain, but he was able to give Padres fans their first glimpse during spring training. Playing in eight games in the spring, Song batted .235/.381/.412 with a .793 OPS.
While he’s yet to make his debut for the Padres in the regular season, Song has been putting in work in Triple-A as he works his way back from his injury. Through eight games played with the El Paso Chihuahuas, Song has made the $15 million he signed for look like a steal.
The Korean utilityman has knocked nine hits in 32 at-bats while driving in seven runs. His slash line reads .281/.361/.313 with a .674 OPS. He’s yet to hit for much power, but his 26 home runs in the KBO in 2025 suggest he should offer more slugging than his numbers indicate.
Song also provides good value in the infield, where he can play anywhere. For an infield like the Padres, Song’s versatility can go a long way after their losses at first base during the offseason.
First-year manager Craig Stammen spoke to the media on Monday and touched on Song’s potential return.
"No timeline on it," Stammen said. "We're having discussions daily about those types of things. We'll figure it out as we go."
"I'd love to see more of [his offensive showings] and get him some more at-bats and get him more accustomed to playing baseball in the United States."
While there’s no timeline on Song’s return, it seems clear that Song will have a role in the Padres’ clubhouse once he returns from injury. He may not be an everyday starter, especially as he’s still adjusting to playing in the United States, but he provides a great depth option for Stammen and the Padres as the year treads on.
The fact that Song has been playing consistently with the club’s Triple-A affiliate is an encouraging sign, but oblique injuries certainly can't be rushed. So far, however, it seems Song is progressing well and is taking the necessary steps to make his major league debut in the near future. San Diego will certainly welcome his presence when he’s ready, as they look to make the postseason again in 2026.