The Padres announced their Opening Day roster, and there’s big news: Yu Darvish has been placed on the restricted list. He had elbow surgery last November and won’t pitch in 2026. Initially, it seemed he’d be on the 60-day injured list, but the team made this unexpected move instead.
The restricted list is usually for players who can’t play for personal reasons or are under contract but need time away. Players on this list don’t count against the 40-man roster, and teams aren’t required to pay them during this time. It’s not clear if the Padres will pay any part of Darvish’s $15 million salary.
Interestingly, a team can’t just put a player on this list due to an injury; there’s likely more happening behind the scenes. Reports from last season suggested discussions about possibly terminating his contract, which still runs through 2028 and has $43 million left.
Darvish’s situation isn’t new. In 2024, he joined the restricted list to handle a family issue, foregoing nearly $4 million in salary because he felt it was wrong to collect money while not fully committed to his recovery.
For the Padres, this roster change impacts their payroll and luxury tax. Many eyes are on Lucas Giolito, who remains a free agent and could be a good fit for their rotation.
Moreover, the team placed seven more players on the injured list. These include infielders Sung-Mun Song and Will Wagner, both dealing with oblique strains, and several pitchers recovering from surgeries such as Jason Adam and Joe Musgrove.
This development creates an opportunity for hard-throwing rookie Bradgley Rodríguez and out-of-options Ron Marinaccio to join the squad for the start of the season.
The Padres are facing challenges early in the season, but they remain focused on building a competitive team. As the season unfolds, updates from Darvish and the team are expected, shedding light on the path forward.
Source link
bryan hoeing,griffin canning,jason adam,joe musgrove,lucas giolito,matt waldron,sung-mun song,ty france,walker buehler,will wagner,yu darvish,yuki matsui
