Everything You Need to Know About Yu Darvish: Latest Updates and Insights

Yu Darvish might be ready to make his 2025 comeback soon. The veteran pitcher threw 48 pitches over three innings in a simulated game at the Padres’ Spring Training facility. After facing elbow inflammation earlier this season, Darvish has been on the injured list since mid-March. However, Padres manager Mike Shildt believes Darvish won’t need much rehab before returning to the team.

Though there’s no specific timeline, Shildt mentioned that the team might let Darvish build his arm strength during actual games, rather than spending too long in the minors. Given his experience, they hope he can regain his form quickly on the field. Even if Darvish is somewhat limited, having him back would be crucial as the Padres approach a demanding schedule of 26 games in 27 days starting May 30.

Before he steps back into the lineup, Darvish needs to progress in his training. Shildt indicated that he must reach an 80-pitch limit, and while this was Darvish’s first time facing live batters since spring, he has completed several bullpen sessions.

This isn’t the first time Darvish has faced elbow issues. He dealt with an olecranon stress reaction, which ended his 2023 season early. Over the past few years, he has struggled with inflammation and missed time due to other injuries like neck and groin strains. In 2024, he pitched only 95 1/3 innings between the regular season and playoffs, which makes the Padres’ current approach surprising.

Interestingly, the Padres have kept Darvish on the 15-day injured list since the start of the season. If they move him to the 60-day IL, he couldn’t return until the end of May, but his ongoing placement on the 15-day list gives the team more flexibility in managing their roster.

Despite missing Darvish, the 24-13 Padres are holding up well. However, his return would significantly bolster their rotation. While Michael King and Nick Pivetta have performed well, concerns about Dylan Cease’s recent struggles persist. The team has managed without a traditional fifth starter, but Stephen Kolek is now lined up to fill that role against the Rockies.

In 2024, Darvish posted a solid 3.31 ERA over 81 2/3 innings, showing remarkable control with a 6.6% walk rate, even as he faced challenges with hard contact. As he enters his age-38 season, all eyes are on how he adapts to the challenges of aging. The Padres don’t need him to be an ace, just a steady mid-rotation arm, and there’s hope he can achieve that if he stays healthy.

This situation brings to mind the experiences of other aging pitchers in recent seasons. For example, Justin Verlander made a successful return from injuries, showing that with the right support and strategy, older players can still perform at high levels. The hope is that Darvish can follow a similar path.

Keeping track of Darvish’s progress will be essential as the Padres strive for a successful season. His return could make a significant difference in the team’s playoff ambitions.

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