Padres' Song exits with oblique injury, Buehler debuts

Newly signed utility player Song homers before leaving game, while veteran pitcher Buehler makes first spring appearance

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Sung-Mun Song, the Padres' newly signed utility player, exited Thursday's Cactus League game against the Mariners with tightness in his right oblique, the same injury he suffered in the offseason. Song had earlier hit a 430-foot home run, his first of the spring, before leaving the game. Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Walker Buehler made his Padres debut, allowing two runs over three innings and striking out four.

Why it matters

Song's injury could impact his chances of making the Padres' Opening Day roster, as the team views him as a valuable versatile piece. Buehler is one of several pitchers competing for a spot in the Padres' rotation, and his performance will be closely watched as he looks to bounce back from a second Tommy John surgery.

The details

Song, who the Padres signed to a four-year deal in December, was making his debut at shortstop on Thursday. He made a nice play in the field in the first inning before launching a 430-foot home run. However, he exited the game with the oblique tightness, which the team is calling a precautionary move. Buehler, who is on a minor league deal with the Padres, allowed two runs and struck out four in his three-inning outing. His fastball averaged 92.4 mph, down from his 2025 average.

  • On Thursday, Song exited the game with right oblique tightness.
  • Four weeks ago, Buehler's elbow 'just stopped hurting', leading him to believe he could be in for a bounce-back season.

The players

Sung-Mun Song

A newly signed utility player for the Padres who can play multiple infield and outfield positions.

Walker Buehler

A 31-year-old pitcher who signed a minor league deal with the Padres and is looking to bounce back after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Craig Stammen

The Padres' manager, who called Song's exit from Thursday's game 'precautionary'.

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What they’re saying

“About four weeks ago, my elbow just stopped hurting. That's a new one for me. Things have ticked up from there.”

— Walker Buehler (mlb.com)

“The wind blowing out makes these games kind of crazy. They hit a bunch of home runs. We hit a bunch of home runs. But overall, [it was] a really good approach for us at the plate, too. It wasn't just home runs. It was opposite-field, line drives, working walks. It was a good day for us.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Song's oblique injury and determine if he is ready for Opening Day. Buehler will make his next few spring training appearances as he competes for a spot in the Padres' rotation.

The takeaway

Song's injury is a setback for the Padres, who were counting on his versatility to be a valuable asset. Buehler's bounce-back efforts will be crucial as the Padres look to solidify their pitching staff for the upcoming season.