'Shock' Song Sung-moon never got to bat in the MLB; sent to Triple-A after being used as a pinch runner

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Sung-moon (30, San Diego Padres) received a Triple-A assignment just one day after his dream MLB debut.

The San Diego Padres announced on the 28th (Korea time) that they have re-registered Song Sung-moon with their Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.

The announcement came just one day after his MLB debut, causing some shock. The Padres had called up Song Sung-moon ahead of the Mexico Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, held on the 26th–27 at Estadio Alfredo Arp Elu in Mexico City, Mexico.

This move utilized the special overseas tour roster rule, which allows teams to expand their Big League rosters from 26 to 27 players for series played outside the United States, making Song Sung-moon the lucky recipient.

Called up on the 26th, Song entered the game as a pinch runner in the bottom of the 8th inning with two outs and a runner on second base. This marked the moment the 29th Korean player in MLB history was born. However, with no follow-up hit, he did not score and was immediately replaced in the bottom of the 8th for defensive duties, missing his chance to bat or play in the field.

That joy did not last long. On the 28th, after returning to the United States ahead of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs, the Padres sent Song Sung-moon back to the Triple-A team.

However, it was confirmed that the Padres were monitoring his situation, including under the special roster provision. Song signed a four-year, $15 million contract with the San Diego Padres through the MLB posting system in December last year. The contract includes $2.5 million for 2026, $3 million for 2027, $3.5 million for 2028, and $4 million for 2029, with an opt-out clause available after 2028. Additionally, there is a $7 million mutual option for 2030, allowing him to play for up to five years.

He was expected as an infield utility player with one-time power hitting ability. However, a strained abdominal muscle injury during training delayed his season start, causing him to miss the Padres' Opening Day roster.

Now adapting to American baseball in Triple-A, Song has shown smooth progress with the Triple-A team. In 20 games, he is batting .293 (22 hits in 75 at-bats) with 12 RBIs, 9 runs scored, 9 walks, 21 strikeouts, a .369 on-base percentage, and a .689 slugging percentage as he prepares for his MLB challenge.

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*This content was translated by AI.