According to Divine Sports Gospel, the San Diego Padres are reportedly calling up Sung-Mun Song for tonight's game against the division-rival San Francisco Giants. Song previously made his MLB debut last week during the Mexico City Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He only pinch-run and did not have an at-bat in the game.
Song was the Friars' biggest offensive tackle this offseason, signing a four-year, $15 million deal with the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). After missing his ramp-up due to an oblique injury, he was demoted to Triple-A to get used to facing MLB pitching.
He has performed relatively well in Triple-A. Song combined for a .293/.364/.354 slash line with a respectable (albeit slightly lower) .718 OPS. But the underlying numbers are not the same as Song's. Being limited to singles, he hasn't made too much hard contact on his hits. He has only four extra-base hits in 25 of 29 games played in El Paso.
Roster transfer still necessary
The Padres will either have to send someone down or move him to the IL for a call up. It has been speculated that the move could come in the form of starting second baseman Jake Cronenworth. He had a disappointing start to the year, batting .144/.272/.468. This basically assures the Padres of an out every time he comes to the plate. His glove is solid, but not good enough to keep his ice-cold bat in the lineup. He was hit by a pitch last night and could be sent to the IL to make room for Song.
Song was initially signed for the Friars as a utility option, capable of playing any position defensively (except catcher). It is likely that this will be on full display if he is called upon for longer periods. That being said, for now, it seems more likely that he will become the starting second baseman.
Whatever the case, Song likely won't magically move up to the big league level after a lackluster performance in Triple-A. But reportedly that is why he is not being called. The truth of the matter is that San Diego will do anything to get out of the recession it is in. Song could perhaps provide something new that will re-energize these Padres.
