San Diego Padres infielder Sung-mun Song will begin his Major League Baseball career on the injured list, manager Craig Stammen confirmed Sunday, delaying the highly anticipated debut of the South Korean star. The injury, an oblique strain, was revealed just as spring training was wrapping up, casting a shadow over the Padres’ preparations for the upcoming season. Song, who signed a four-year, $15 million contract with the Padres in December 2025, was expected to contribute immediately to the team’s infield.
The news is a setback for both Song and the Padres, who were eager to see how the KBO League veteran would transition to the MLB level. Song’s arrival in San Diego marked a significant investment in international talent, with the team also agreeing to cover the costs of an interpreter and roundtrip tickets from South Korea, as reported in December. The Padres are hoping for a swift recovery for Song, who is expected to undergo a rehabilitation program before rejoining the team.
Oblique Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Whereas the specific severity of Song’s oblique strain hasn’t been disclosed, oblique injuries typically require a period of rest and gradual rehabilitation. According to medical resources, oblique strains involve damage to the abdominal muscles, often occurring during twisting or rotational movements. Recovery timelines can vary depending on the grade of the strain, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Song participated in Triple-A games and experienced discomfort, leading to the decision to place him on the injured list, as reported by Chosun.com.
The Padres plan for Song to resume baseball activities once the Triple-A season begins, allowing him to build strength and conditioning before returning to the major league roster. This approach will allow the team to carefully monitor his progress and ensure he is fully recovered before facing MLB competition.
From KBO Star to MLB Prospect
Song, born August 29, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, established himself as a prominent player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League with the Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes. He debuted with the Heroes in 2015 and became a regular in 2019, showcasing his skills as a third baseman. His career with the Heroes was interrupted by mandatory military service, but he returned to sign a six-year contract extension worth ₩12 billion (approximately $9.2 million USD as of March 23, 2026) in August 2025, according to The Korea Times. Following the 2025 season, Song requested to be posted for Major League Baseball, ultimately leading to his signing with the Padres in December 2025, as detailed by Minor League Baseball.
In 2024, Song was named an All-Star and team captain for the Kiwoom Heroes, demonstrating his leadership and on-field performance. Throughout his KBO career, Song maintained a .283 batting average with 80 home runs and 454 runs batted in, according to Wikipedia. These statistics contributed to his reputation as one of the KBO’s top players and fueled his pursuit of a career in MLB.
What to Watch Next
The Padres will closely monitor Song’s recovery and rehabilitation process, providing updates on his progress as he works towards returning to the field. The team’s success this season may hinge, in part, on Song’s ability to successfully transition to MLB pitching and contribute offensively. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Padres manage Song’s workload and integration into the lineup once he is cleared to play.
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Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about a medical situation and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
