Padres place Cronenworth on 7-day IL, recall Song from Triple-A

SAN FRANCISCO -- Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth was placed on the seven-day IL Tuesday, after experiencing what the team called concussion symptoms.

In his place, the Padres recalled infielder Sung-Mun Song -- an obvious like-for-like replacement for Cronenworth on the roster.

It’s unclear how or when Cronenworth began experiencing concussion symptoms. He’s struggled this season, hitting just .144 with a .468 OPS.

Song, meanwhile, was a prize free-agent signing out of Korea during the offseason. San Diego inked the KBO star to a four-year deal in December. But Song was slowed by an oblique injury in the offseason and into Spring Training. He began the season on the IL and was later optioned to Triple-A El Paso.

Song’s callup marks his first chance to get a regular look in the big leagues. He debuted as a pinch-runner in Mexico City after he’d been called up to serve as the team’s 27th player. But he was promptly sent back to El Paso.

Lately, Song has begun to hit at Triple-A, riding an eight-game hitting streak. He launched his first home run on Sunday as well. Presumably, Song will slot into Cronenworth’s spot at second base -- and as the team’s backup at short and third. But Cronenworth’s injury might also mean that Fernando Tatis Jr. gets additional looks at second base.

In a separate move on Tuesday, the Padres activated left-hander Yuki Matsui, who sustained a left groin strain during Spring Training, forcing him to miss the World Baseball Classic and the start of the season. Matsui’s rehab stint had expired, and he was due to be called up Tuesday.

Left-hander Kyle Hart was optioned to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move.