Padres send Song Sung-mun to minors
San Diego Padres' Song Sung-mun smiles as he celebrates a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks after a baseball game in Phoenix, Aug. 4. AP-Yonhap
The San Diego Padres have sent their Korean infielder Song Sung-mun to the minor leagues.
The Padres optioned Song to their Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas, on Monday (local time). The 29-year-old had a .202 batting average with a home run, 15 RBIs and 12 steals in 62 games as a big league rookie.
Song signed with the Padres last winter but landed on the injured list with a right oblique strain in late March, forcing him to begin the season in Triple-A.
Song made his major league debut on April 26 but has not earned consistent playing time despite his defensive utility and speed. Song has appeared at second base, third base and shortstop so far. He ranks fourth on the team in steals despite playing fewer than half of the team's games.
In 25 games during his first stint with El Paso this year, Song batted .293 with one homer, 15 RBIs and 11 walks.
Song's demotion leaves two Korean players in the majors: San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo and Atlanta Braves shortstop Kim Ha-seong.