WBC wasn't the problem' Song Sung-moon, I can't believe the opening game is hard... The head coach has no doubt, "I'll wait to get back in condition."

*This content was translated by AI.

There is a growing possibility that Song Sung-moon (30, San Diego Padres) will not be able to play in the opening game. It is a situation where a red flag could be turned on for the main competition, but the head coach shook his head that it is not a big problem.

"The sad news of the injury is that San Diego Padres infielder Song Sung-moon is on the verge of missing the opening game," Sports Illustrated (SI) said on the 11th (Korea time). "KBO star Song Sung-moon suffered a recurrence of a side injury after hitting his first home run in spring training last week, and according to coach Craig Starman, he may miss the beginning of the season."

Coach Staman said, "At the moment, it is unclear whether any injury will return to the opening game," but added, "But the situation can change at any time."

Stammon, however, was not too worried. "There are a lot of people who think of the opening game as the beginning and the end, but we don't think so. I will wait until he regains his condition," he said.

Another local media outlet, the Padres Mission, said, "Song Sung-moon is expected to play all infield positions, including second and third base in the Padres. He said, "When Manny Machado is a designated hitter, there is a possibility that he will secure time to play as a third baseman or move to second base when Jake Cronenworth rests or moves to first base," adding, "The club is also considering providing him with opportunities to train outfielders, and depending on the day of rest or injury, he may play almost every day." FYI, FanGraph expects him to play in five positions in 2026," it said.

The media said Song Sung-moon's injury was not serious, but said that if he is on the injured list at the beginning of the season, the game could be disrupted for several weeks. The media predicted that San Diego would consist of Song Sung-moon, catcher Luis Campusano, Gavin Sheets, Nick Casteyanos, and Miguel Andujar as outfielders, first baseman, and designated hitters, but Song Sung-moon's injury could change the situation.

If Song Sung-moon is absent, "he may maintain the outfield around Bryce Johnson and leave one of the two non-roster invited players, Jose Miranda and Thailand France," he said. "Considering his batting ability, he may release Johnson, who has run out of minor league options, leaving Miranda and France. Either way, we will be able to secure this flexibility in preparation for Song Sung-moon's long-term absence," he explained.

It is also proof that expectations for Song Seong-moon are high. Considering Song Seong-moon's momentum, he deserves it. In the past two years, Song Sung-moon was one of the best hitters in the KBO League and spent a career high season last year in the flow of pitching and hitting. In addition, he won the defense prize with the Golden Glove as a third baseman and signed a four-year, $15 million (about 22 billion won) contract with San Diego.

It was predicted that he could play in all infield positions and outfield with "super utility" resources, but he was hampered by injuries. During training, he was excluded from the final entry of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to an injury to his right internal oblique muscle, but fortunately, he recovered quickly and began to play in exhibition games.

Song Sung-moon, who had no hits in the first two games in the exhibition game, had his first hit in the third game and even his first home run against the Seattle Mariners on the 6th. However, he was replaced during the game complaining of pain in his side, and some predicted that he would be difficult to play in the opening game.

In a situation where expectations are high, it is not welcome for Song Sung-moon to hand over opportunities to other players from the opening. However, looking at his performance over the past two years and his hit in exhibition games, expectations are growing that Song Sung-moon will be of great help in the batting lineup not only at home but also at home. Rather than worrying about not being able to join the opening roster, it will be more important to return to the perfect body as soon as possible and take the hit San Diego expects.

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*This content was translated by AI.