Right-hander Yu Darvish will start the season on the injured list. Manager Mike Shildt told reporters that Darvish has elbow inflammation. "We feel pretty comfortable that some rest will do the trick," Shildt mentioned. While the team is optimistic, this will open up two rotation spots for Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek, and Randy Vásquez.
Darvish has struggled with elbow issues repeatedly. He ended the 2023 season on the IL due to inflammation in that arm and faced further troubles in 2024 with neck tightness, a groin strain, and more elbow problems. Last year, he managed just 81 2/3 innings.
Injuries to a pitcher’s elbow are always a concern, especially for Darvish, who will turn 39 in August. His history of frequent elbow problems raises questions about how much longer he can pitch effectively.
The San Diego rotation is adjusting due to other injuries. Joe Musgrove underwent Tommy John surgery last October, which impacted the staff significantly. Right now, the team is left with Darvish, Dylan Cease, and Michael King as the main starters, with Nick Pivetta added as a fourth.
With Darvish out, Hart, Kolek, and Vásquez are in the running for the remaining two spots. Hart, though lacking major league experience, had a standout season in Korea last year with a 2.69 ERA and solid strikeout rates. However, he faced setbacks in spring training due to illness and only recently made his debut.
Kolek made his MLB debut last year after being a Rule 5 pick. Though his ERA of 5.21 in limited action looks rough, his underlying stats were better, suggesting he faced some bad luck. This spring, he’s performed well, managing a 2.19 ERA over 12 1/3 innings.
Vásquez had a 4.87 ERA last season, showing competitiveness in his starts. He’s barely pitched this spring due to limited game time but has continued to throw in practice.
As the team looks to fill these crucial spots, fans are eager to see how Hart, Kolek, and Vásquez step up in Darvish’s absence. The pressure is on, but it could also be an opportunity for young pitchers to shine.
For more information on player injuries and team dynamics, check the latest reports from ESPN and MLB.com.
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