San diego: The San Diego Padres have sent their South Korean infielder Song Sung-mun to the minor leagues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Padres optioned Song to their Triple-A affiliate, El Paso Chihuahuas, on Monday (local time). The 29-year-old had a .202 batting average with a home run, 15 RBIs, and 12 steals in 62 games as a big league rookie.

Song signed with the Padres last winter but landed on the injured list with a right oblique strain in late March, forcing him to begin the season in Triple-A. Song made his major league debut on April 26 but has not earned consistent playing time despite his defensive utility and speed. He has appeared at second base, third base, and shortstop so far. He ranks fourth on the team in steals despite playing fewer than half of the team's games.

In 25 games during his first stint with El Paso this year, Song batted .293 with one homer, 15 RBIs, and 11 walks. Song's demotion leaves two South Korean players in the majors: San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo and Atlanta Braves shortstop Kim Ha-seong.