When the Padres gave Yu Darvish a 6-year, $108 million extension that might take him by his age 41 season, they needed to know this was coming. It’s not Tommy John but however what they know is coming is an IL stint to begin the season because of elbow irritation.
Yu Darvish is predicted to open the season on the injured listing. Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek and Randy Vásquez are competing for 2 Opening Day rotation spots. A kind of three will begin the season in Triple-A El Paso’s rotation.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) March 21, 2025
Fatigue. Irritation. Elbow tightness.
These aren’t phrases anybody desires to be linked to any Padre—not to mention Darvish. However the actuality is he’s 38 and he has 1,706 innings on that arm and that’s simply common season innings (so not counting his Japanese, Spring Coaching and postseason).
It’s been properly chronicled what number of pitches he throws and the way a lot he tinkers with issues to attempt to enhance at the same time as he will get nearer to retirement.
It’s a variety of breaking pitches and over time—no matter how properly you care for your physique—it’s going to take a toll.
Darvish is already a Tommy John recipient (2015) and since then he’s gone on the IL with shoulder discomfort, again tightness, triceps tendinitis, a hip impingement, elbow irritation, neck tightness and a groin pressure.
The Padres could also be upset that that is taking place however they shouldn’t be shocked. Sadly that is what the game is. It looks as if with each pitcher it’s not a matter of if however after they’re going to have elbow/arm points.
There’s no timetable for his return however now there’s a possibility for Stephen Kolek, Kyle Hart and Randy Vasquez to step up and show they belong.
