Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (11) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game five of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – The San Diego Padres will have to start their 2025 season without one of their most reliable arms. Manager Mike Shildt confirmed Friday that veteran right-hander Yu Darvish is dealing with right elbow inflammation and will miss at least the season-opening series against the Atlanta Braves, which begins on March 27 at Petco Park.
Darvish, 38, has been in a “rest phase” and has not thrown since March 13, when he last started a Spring Training game. While the team hopes rest will resolve the issue, his return timeline remains uncertain.
“He’s in a rest phase,” Shildt said. “We feel pretty comfortable that some rest and getting him back up will be the answer at the moment.”
Darvish has battled various injuries in recent years, including hip and neck issues and a bone spur in his elbow. The Padres remain optimistic that surgery will not be necessary.
His absence leaves a significant hole in a rotation that was expected to be a strength entering the season. Before the injury, three pitchers—Randy Vasquez, Stephen Kolek, and Kyle Hart—were competing for the final rotation spot. Now, two of them will start the year in the rotation, with the odd man out heading to Triple-A El Paso to stay stretched out as a starter.
“The best-laid plans, they don’t always go perfectly in a straight line,” Shildt said. “All those guys have worked really hard to put themselves in a good position.”
As the Padres make final roster decisions in the coming days, they’ll have to adjust quickly to life without Darvish—at least for the start of the season.
