Song Seong-moon’s Major League Struggles Continue
San Diego Padres outfielder Song Seong-moon is facing increasing uncertainty regarding his major league future, as his hitting struggles persist. The player has shown no signs of improvement at the plate, raising concerns about his long-term prospects with the team.
Another Hitless Performance
On June 6th, Song Seong-moon started as the number 8 hitter and left fielder in a home game against the New York Mets at Petco Park. He batted 0-for-3, marking another unproductive outing. This appearance came just three days after his last game against the Philadelphia Phillies. In the bottom of the third inning, with the Padres trailing 0-2, Song stepped up to the plate with a runner on first and grounded out to the shortstop.
Despite making solid contact on a 96.2 mph fastball from Mets starter Christian Scott, driving it towards left field, the ball was ultimately fielded by left fielder Juan Soto, who moved back to make the catch. Song’s second at-bat in the fifth inning, with the score at 0-4, resulted in another out. He hit a ground ball to the pitcher after fouling off a 89 mph cutter from Scott, which Scott promptly fielded and threw to first base.
His final at-bat in the eighth inning ended with a fly ball. He made contact with a 95.3 mph fastball from right-handed reliever Luke Weaver, but the ball carried high into foul territory. His performance was also disappointing in the field.
Defensive Misplay Contributes to Runs
In the top of the third inning, with the Mets leading 2-0 and two outs with a runner on third, Soto hit a routine ground ball. However, Soto mishshandled the ball, allowing the runner to advance. While Soto eventually recovered and threw to first to end the inning, the initial misplay was costly. It’s suggested that if Soto had been playing with more urgency from the start and secured the out, the run would not have scored, potentially widening the deficit to three runs.
Extended Hitless Streak
Song Seong-moon’s last hit was on May 17th against the Seattle Mariners. That game saw him enter as a pinch-runner in the seventh inning and hit a single to right field in the ninth. Since then, across five games, including four starts, he has recorded 11 at-bats without a hit, accumulating two walks. His current season statistics reflect this slump: a batting average of .138 (4 hits in 29 at-bats), 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 5 walks, 7 strikeouts, 2 stolen bases, and an OPS of .437.
Limited Opportunity Amidst Roster Changes
Song was called up to the majors on June 6th when second baseman Jake Cronenworth was placed on the injured list due to a brain hemorrhage diagnosis. Initially, it was anticipated that Song would receive a significant opportunity. However, his continued offensive struggles have led to him being used primarily as a defensive replacement or situational hitter.
Cronenworth is expected to return around the end of July or early August. This timeline suggests that Song Seong-moon may not have much more time to prove himself before Cronenworth’s return. The Padres are currently in a six-game losing streak, having lost 0-5 in their latest game. They now stand at 32 wins and 30 losses, placing them third in the NL West, eight games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The team has experienced a sharp decline since holding the division lead on May 19th, with a subsequent record of 3 wins and 12 losses.
