The Padres got a scare in Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to the Mets when Xander Bogaerts appeared to tweak his hamstring on a swinging strikeout in the top of the seventh inning. Craig Stammen, however, downplayed the moment after the game, saying Bogaerts was dealing with cramping because of the heat, according to 97.3 The Fan.
San Diego’s offense never really got going in the rubber match, and that was the story of the series. The Padres dropped Monday’s opener 2-1 before losing again Wednesday, even as they continued to hold second place in the National League West at 68-60 and the third NL Wild Card spot.
Bogaerts has been a regular presence for San Diego all year, appearing in 121 games while hitting .220/.320/.329 with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs. Lately, he’s been working lower in the lineup, a reflection of how much the bat has cooled.
Still, even with the down year at the plate, he remains useful because of what he brings defensively at shortstop. He has four outs above average and four fielding run value this season.
The 33-year-old has also stayed on the field at a far higher rate than he did over the last couple of seasons, playing in almost 95% of the Padres’ games in 2026. That durability matters, especially with his contract situation. Bogaerts is in year four of the 11-year, $280 million deal he signed before the 2023 season, and San Diego remains on the hook through 2033.
If Bogaerts needs more than a day, the Padres would likely turn to Sun-Mung Song at shortstop. Song started Wednesday in Bogaerts’ place and could continue to get the reps there if needed.
The 29-year-old joined the organization from the KBO this offseason, spent the early part of the year at Triple-A, and has since played in 62 games for San Diego. In that stretch, he has hit .202/.305/.263 with one home run and 15 RBIs.
Song also brings some speed and versatility. He is 12-for-16 on stolen base attempts and has logged time at second base, third base and shortstop this season.
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Former Padres Lefty Is Getting Another Chance With A Contender
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The Phillies have agreed to a Major League contract with Cortes, giving him a chance to work his way back after left-arm surgery. His role still has not been settled, which leaves him in line to fill either bullpen innings or a spot in the rotation depending on how the club wants to deploy him. For a pitcher trying to reestablish himself, the opportunity is there, even if the exact path is still waiting to be mapped out. [Read more 🡒]