Padres announce roster move for Mexico City Series vs. Diamondbacks

The San Diego Padres (17-8) arrive in Mexico City with a half-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, but they cannot afford to be content. Following a stretch that includes four consecutive winning campaigns, three playoff berths and an NL Championship Series appearance, president of baseball operations A.J. Preller must figure out how to gain an edge over other contenders. Perhaps Sung-Mun Song can help answer that riddle.

The Friars are adding the South Korean infielder to their MLB roster for their two-game Mexico City Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, per the team’s X account. He signed a four-year contract worth $15 million last December and is now getting a chance to make a big-league impact.

Song was a solid contact-hitter in his nine seasons in the KBO League, and he has brought that skill with him to the Padres organization. The 29-year-old left-handed batter has slashed .293/.369./.320/.689 in 84 plate appearances for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas. San Diego owns a .234 team batting average this season, which ranks 17th in MLB, so Song could have value to offer.

His first opportunity will come during the sport’s showcase series, as the Padres and Diamondbacks duke it out in Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu on Saturday and Sunday. Stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. will command most of fans’ attention, but ultimately, people just want to see good baseball. Sung-Mun Song will try to oblige.

While it is unclear what his role will be once the roster shrinks back to 26 following this Mexican adventure, a productive outing could force management to reconsider some things. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. ET.

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