Padres Place Jake Cronenworth On IL
The Padres introduced right now that second baseman Jake Cronenworth has been positioned on the seven-day concussion-related injured checklist. Infielder Sung-Mun Song he was recalled to take his place on the roster. The Friars additionally reinstated left-hander Yuki Matsui from the 15-day IL and optioned fellow lefty Kyle Hart.
The membership hasn’t launched any particulars on Cronenworth’s harm, similar to how he sustained it or how lengthy they count on him to be shelved. For what it is price, he hasn’t been in good kind all 12 months. He is at present sporting a .144/.272/.196 line on the season. Ideally, a while to heal up will get him again in fine condition. He had a powerful .246/.367/.377 efficiency simply final 12 months.
His harm will enable Song to get his first actual main league motion. The Padres signed him this offseason to a four-year, $15MM deal. He received that coming off a powerful two-year displaying in South Korea, slashing .327/.397/.524 over 2024 and 2025 with the Kiwoom Heroes.
He hasn’t but had an opportunity to switch that type of manufacturing to North America. An indirect concern popped up in January and finally put him on the IL to start out the 12 months. After he received wholesome and accomplished a rehab project, the Parents despatched him to the minors in mid-April.
He was briefly recalled when the Padres have been dealing with the Diamondbacks in Mexico City, because the membership was allowed a twenty seventh man for that collection. Song technically made his main league debut however in in regards to the briefest manner attainable. I pinch ran for catcher Luis Campusano within the prime of the eighth after which was changed by Freddy Fermin on the backside of the body.
Song has a .293/.364/.354 line in Triple-A this 12 months. That seems to be okay however is definitely subpar within the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, translating to an 82 wRC+. For what it is price, he is been heating up. He departs El Paso sitting on an eight-game Triple-A hitting streak with a .351/.400/.459 line in that point. That’s a small pattern but it surely’s attainable he was simply getting right into a groove after beginning the season injured.
He’s been splitting his time between shortstop, second base and third base. Presumably, Song will take over because the on a regular basis second baseman whereas Cronenworth is out, although it is maybe price contemplating the Fernando Tatis Jr. wild card. The Padres have been working and not using a actual backup center infielder this season. Cronenworth has been the backup to shortstop Xander Bogaerts whereas Tatis has been the backup to Cronenworth.
Tatis got here up as a shortstop however has been in proper area for years. He solely had one inning of main league expertise at second base previous to this season however has logged 49 frames there in 2026. If the Friars felt snug with it, they may strive Tatis there extra typically whereas Cronenworth is out. Tatis is out to a gradual begin this 12 months, with a .252/.324/.301 line and no dwelling runs but, however he has a powerful monitor document and a .275/.353/.504 profession line.
The Padres have Ramon Laureano and Jackson Merrill subsequent to Tatis within the outfield most nights. If they have been to maneuver Tatis to second infrequently, that might create extra alternatives for guys like Miguel Andujar, Gavin Sheets, Nick Castellanos and Bryce Johnson.
Castellanos and Johnson aren’t hitting a lot proper now however Andujar has a .305/.337/.476 line. He has been used principally at third base and within the designated hitter spot this 12 months however has some nook outfield expertise. Sheets is hitting round a league common degree whereas principally taking part in first base. If he did play the outfield a bit extra, that would open issues up for Ty Francewho has a .283/.321/.528 line this season.
Perhaps the Padres will not overthink issues, particularly with Cronenworth doubtlessly solely lacking per week. It’s attainable they’ll go the only route and simply have Song at second for the following few minutes. He is certainly on the keystone tonight, with Tatis in his normal proper area spot.
Photo courtesy of Isaiah J. Downing, Imagn Images
