Rengifo (knee), Sheets (foot) land on IL as Padres make flurry of moves

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Padres placed versatile Luis Rengifo on the 10-day injured list Sunday, one day after he suffered a right knee injury against the Rays and was taken by medical cart off of Tropicana Field. Rengifo, who played second base Saturday, was flown back to San Diego for more evaluation and imaging. There’s no word yet on the severity of his injury.

With infielder/outfielder Gavin Sheets (left foot sprain) also being placed on the 10-day IL, the Padres recalled infielder Sung-Mun Song (six days after he was sent down to Triple-A El Paso) while reinstating outfielder Samad Taylor, who had been recovering from an oblique injury during a rehabilitation assignment at El Paso.

Song, who batted .202 with 12 stolen bases in 62 games this season, was in Sunday’s lineup at third base against the Rays.

Before his right oblique injury in July, Taylor batted .330 with six stolen bases in 26 games after having his contract selected from El Paso. Taylor, Dustin Harris and Austin Hays are options to fill the left-field role of Rengifo.

“Whenever my name’s called, I’ll be prepared,’’ Taylor said. “I’m happy to be back for the playoff push and I’m ready to do whatever I can to help this team come out on top. I’m ready to get out there and see what happens.’’

Harris, 3-for-4 in Saturday’s game, started Sunday in left field. Hays, 31, signed Aug. 9 as a free agent, has batted .214 in 11 games with the Padres. He has spent parts of nine seasons with five different MLB teams and was an American League All-Star with the Orioles in 2023.

“Most of my career, I’ve been an everyday player, but I’ve had stretches where I’m a platoon guy,’’ Hays said. “At this point of my career, an opportunity is an opportunity. It doesn’t matter what it looks like. If I just need to be ready to pinch-hit or DH against lefties, I’ll do that too. We’ve got a month of games left and we’re in the thick of it, so whatever is needed.’’

Hays said there’s still sadness over the loss of Rengifo, a switch-hitter who played left field, first base, second and third while batting .291 over 38 games with the Padres since his June acquisition.

“It’s just a hard thing and it weighs on your heart heavily,’’ Hays said. “You know it’s something serious and you realize what a long road is ahead. But this is a relentless game that we play. It doesn’t stop for anybody. We’ve got to turn around keep playing, but our hearts are with Luis and his family.’’