Song Sung-moon (29), who recently struggled to secure playing time, has ultimately been demoted to the minor leagues.

Major League Baseball's (MLB) San Diego Padres announced today (the 25th) that they have optioned Song to their Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas.

This season, Song recorded a .202 batting average with 1 home run, 15 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases across 62 games.

While he showed solid performances in defense and base running, his low offensive production—highlighted by an on-base plus slugging (OPS) percentage of just .568—was the primary reason for his demotion.

In place of Song, the Padres called up outfielder Dustin Harris, who posted a 1.039 OPS over 29 games in El Paso.

Although Song was demoted to the minors in the latter half of the season, the possibility remains that he could rejoin the team as a pinch runner or defensive replacement if the Padres advance to the postseason.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)