"68-day multi-hit streak proves useless": Song Seong-moon left off San Diego's Wild Card roster... pushed out by poor batting average and returning players from injury

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Seong-moon (30, San Diego Padres) has been ruled out of his first Major League postseason appearance.

On the 30th (Korean time), ahead of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) National League (NL) Wild Card Series (best-of-three format) against the Chicago Cubs, San Diego announced its 26-man roster.

Song Seong-moon's name was not among the 26th players. San Diego composed its Wild Card Series roster with 11 pitchers and 15 position players. The infield included Miguel Andujar (31), Xander Bogaerts (34), Jake Cronenworth (32), Ty France (32), Manny Machado (34), and Gavin Sheets (30). The outfield featured Jace Bowen (26), Dustin Harris (27), Austin Hays (31), Jackson Merrill (23), Fernando Tatis Jr. (27), and Samard Taylor (28).

His exclusion was somewhat anticipated. This was because Gavin Sheets, who possesses power against right-handed pitchers, and Miguel Andujar, who is strong against left-handed pitchers, returned from injury, and Jace Bowen offered high utility value as a pinch runner and defensive substitute. Additionally, San Diego opted to include all three catchers: Ethan Salas (20), Luis Campusano (28), and Freddy Fermin (31).

For Song Seong-moon, the result is all the more disappointing given that he had just delivered a final display of strength at the end of the regular season. In his last appearance on the 26th against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he came in as a substitute and recorded two hits, one run batted in (RBI), and one run scored in two at-bats. It was his first hit in 49 days since August 8, and his first multi-hit game in a staggering 68 days since July 20. He delivered an RBI by hitting a 96.5 mph (approximately 155.3 km/h) fastball, demonstrating his final competitiveness for a postseason roster spot.

His overall regular season performance was underwhelming. In his first year in the big leagues this year, Song Seong-moon posted a .191 batting average (25 hits in 131 at-bats), one home run, 17 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases across 78 Major League games. His on-base percentage was .291, slugging percentage .244, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) .535. In his last 30 games, he managed only a .111 batting average (4 hits in 36 at-bats).

Song Seong-moon's first year in the United States did not start smoothly. Last year, after recording a .315 batting average, 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases with the KBO League Kiwoom Heroes, Song signed a four-year contract worth $15 million (approximately 20.7 billion won) with San Diego through the posting system. However, he injured his right adductor during spring training and missed the opening day roster.

He was first called up to the big leagues via a special roster slot ahead of a game against Arizona in Mexico City at the end of April, becoming the 29th Korean-born Major Leaguer by appearing as a pinch runner. However, he returned to Triple-A after just one day without taking a single at-bat. He was subsequently called up again and entered the full survival competition.

For a while, he held his ground as a utility player capable of handling all infield positions and as a pinch-running option. But as the season progressed, his playing time decreased. In August, he managed only a .133 batting average (2 hits in 15 at-bats) in 12 games, appearing mostly as a defensive substitute and pinch runner.

Ultimately, on August 25, Song was notified of his demotion to Triple-A after 111 days since his call-up. At the time, Manager Craig Stammen (42) explained that while Song's performance was not the direct reason for the demotion, he hoped Song would regain his hitting feel through consistent at-bats.

Returning to the big leagues just six days later, Song Seong-moon fought for a roster spot until the end of the season. After the team's postseason berth was secured, he celebrated with teammates by popping champagne, sharing in the joy of his first-ever Major League fall baseball appearance. However, he ultimately failed to pass through the narrow door of the Wild Card Series roster.

San Diego will play the first game of the Wild Card Series against the Cubs at 11 a.m. local time on the same day at their home stadium, Petco Park. Having lost to the Cubs 1-2 in last year's series at the same venue, San Diego is looking for revenge.

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*This content was translated by AI.