The San Diego Padres executed a significant roster change prior to Tuesday’s matchup with the San Francisco Giants.
Part of this move was anticipated, while the other part came as a shock.
The Padres activated left-handed pitcher Yuki Matsui from the injured list as expected, having completed his rehab assignment and needing to be added to the roster by Tuesday. To clear space, left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart was sent to Triple-A.
In terms of the surprising aspect of the transaction, the Padres placed infielder Jake Cronenworth on the 7-day concussion injured list and recalled utility player Sung-Mun Song from Triple-A.
While a Korean news outlet reported that Song was being called up for Tuesday’s game, the accompanying move was not clear. Cronenworth’s injury provides the answer.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/YLmAH9MWBw
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 5, 2026
What is Jake Cronenworth’s Injury?
The Padres confirmed that Cronenworth is experiencing concussion symptoms, which will keep him sidelined for at least the following week. The source of these symptoms remains unclear, but manager Craig Stammen will share more information when addressing the media before Tuesday’s game.
Cronenworth is having a tough start to the season, batting .144 with one home run, four RBIs and an OPS of .468. He recently shared his frustrations with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
“This isn’t the start I intended,” Cronenworth stated. “It’s been incredibly frustrating. I’ve worked hard throughout the offseason leading up to spring training. The same can be said for spring training, and to find myself starting this way is unacceptable.
“At the end of the day, I believe in the process. This has been really difficult, and I’ve dedicated extra hours after games to practice in the cage. I’ve been arriving at noon for early hitting. It’s not been easy, but it’s one of those situations you hope to overcome and emerge stronger.”
Sung-Mun Song Set to Make MLB Debut
Song made his MLB debut as the 27th man during the Mexico City Series but only participated as a pinch runner in the second game, after which he was optioned back to Triple-A.
Overall, Song has played 25 games at Triple-A, providing a batting line of .293/.364/.354 with one home run, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .718. His stats included a portion of his rehab assignment, having begun the season on the injured list due to an oblique injury sustained in spring training.
He joined the Padres on a four-year, $15 million contract this offseason after spending nine seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization. As a natural second baseman, he fits well in place of Cronenworth.
Padres Activate Yuki Matsui, Option Kyle Hart
Matsui is now back after starting the season on the injured list due to a groin strain.
Over the last two seasons, Matsui has played 125 games for the Padres, achieving a 3.86 ERA with 130 strikeouts across 126 innings. During his rehab stint, he made 11 appearances, posting a 4.97 ERA with 14 strikeouts and three walks over 12.2 innings.
On the other hand, Hart has struggled at the major league level this season, featuring a 5.40 ERA with 10 strikeouts and six walks over 16.2 innings. The Padres have called upon him to pitch multiple innings in five of his 12 appearances; seven of his 10 earned runs came from those outings.
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