Just weeks before Opening Day, the San Diego Padres may already be facing an unexpected setback.
One of their newest signings is suddenly fighting the clock.

Padres’ Sung-Mun Song Faces Opening Day Uncertainty After Injury Setback

The San Diego Padres entered spring training expecting Sung-Mun Song to become one of the most versatile weapons on their roster.

Now, the team is facing a growing concern.

The newly signed infielder is in danger of missing Opening Day after reaggravating an oblique injury that continues to slow his progress during spring training.

For a player still adjusting to Major League Baseball, the timing could not be more difficult.

Injury Complicates a Fresh Start in San Diego

Song, who signed a four-year, $15 million contract with the Padres this offseason, was expected to compete for a key role as a versatile utility player in 2026.

But last week’s 27–6 spring training game against the Seattle Mariners brought an unexpected setback.

During that game, Song reaggravated a right oblique injury—the same area that had already caused issues earlier in the offseason.

Since then, the Padres have taken a cautious approach to his recovery.

Manager Craig Stammen offered the latest update on Monday, explaining that the infielder is progressing slowly but still hasn’t returned to full baseball activity.

“Song has been getting treatment,” Stammen said. “I believe he played catch yesterday, so hasn’t started swinging yet.”

For a hitter, the ability to swing comfortably is often the final step before returning to game action.

Right now, that step hasn’t happened.

Opening Day Now a Question Mark

When asked directly whether Song’s availability for Opening Day was in doubt, Stammen didn’t rule it out.

But he also didn’t guarantee anything.

“Maybe,” Stammen admitted. “Any injury at this point is probably in question.”

Still, the Padres are choosing patience over urgency.

“We’re gonna get him right when he’s right,” Stammen added. “Opening Day isn’t a start-and-stop moment for us.”

That philosophy reflects the team’s desire to avoid rushing Song back too quickly—especially with an injury that can easily worsen if aggravated again.

Slow Progress on the Field

Despite the injury, Song has remained active in limited baseball activities.

On Monday, he participated in light running drills and fielded ground balls at third base, indicating that the team believes the injury is manageable.

But hitting remains the biggest obstacle.

According to Song, swinging a bat will take more time, a reminder that oblique injuries often affect rotational movement—one of the most important mechanics in hitting.

Until he can swing comfortably, his return to game action will likely remain delayed.

The Padres’ Vision for Song

The Padres didn’t sign Song simply as depth.

They believe the 29-year-old could become an extremely valuable super-utility player capable of filling multiple roles across the field.

During his career in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Kiwoom Heroes, Song played:

Third base
Second base
First base

San Diego plans to expand that versatility even further.

Team president of baseball operations A.J. Preller revealed that the organization had been tracking Song for several years before signing him.

“He’s been a super productive player,” Preller said. “We feel like we’ll have some versatility.”

A Role Similar to Kiké Hernández?

Manager Craig Stammen even compared Song’s potential role to that of Dodgers utility star Kiké Hernández, one of the most versatile players in MLB.

The Padres have already experimented with Song at shortstop during spring training and plan to test him in the outfield as well.

If the transition works, Song could become the type of player every contender values: someone capable of filling multiple positions while providing offensive depth.

“A player that can provide versatility is extremely valuable,” Stammen said.

Teams that win championships often rely on flexible rosters, and the Padres believe Song could become a key piece in that puzzle.

A Setback — But Not the End of the Plan

For now, the injury simply delays what the Padres hope will be a long and productive partnership.

Song still has time to recover, adjust to MLB pitching, and prove he belongs in San Diego’s lineup.

But the clock is ticking.

With Opening Day approaching quickly, the Padres must decide whether patience now will pay off later.

And for Sung-Mun Song, the next few weeks could determine how quickly his MLB journey truly begins.