Padres Make Surprise Roster Move Ahead of Mariners Game

This moves comes as a bit of a surprise as Song felt like a lock to make the Padres' Opening Day roster out of camp assuming health.

However, the emergence of Ty France — who was a non-roster invite in spring training that made the Opening Day roster — has forced the Padres to send Song to Triple-A for the time being. Fernando Tatis Jr.'s ability to play second base as a backup for Jake Cronenworth has also made this decision possible.

Song joined the Padres this offseason on a four-year, $15 million deal after spending nine seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization.

Song's bat broke out over his last two seasons in the KBO. He hit .340 with 19 home runs, 104 runs batted in and an OPS of .927 across 142 games in 2024. He then hit .315 with 26 home runs, 90 RBIs and an OPS of .917 across 144 games in 2025.

Song suffered an oblique injury over the offseason that flared back up in spring training, forcing him to open the season on the injured list. Across eight spring training games, he went 4-for-17 (.235) with one home run and an OPS of .793.

On his rehab assignment at Triple-A, Song played in 16 games, hitting .276 with 10 RBIs and an OPS of .674.

Song will continue to work on his adjustment to major league pitching in the minor leagues. The Padres are hopeful he can turn into a super utility man for the team, which they felt they especially needed before Tatis' emergence at second base.

With Tatis able to cover second base, the Padres are in no rush to bring Song up to the big leagues. So, he'll continue to develop in the minor leagues, while France's opportunity in the majors continues after a strong start.

France, a former Padre draft pick in 2015, is 6-for-22 (.273) this season with one home run and an OPS of .788. He's continued to play great defense at first base as he's coming off a Gold Glove season at the position last year.

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