Manager Mike Shildt announced that the Padres have placed right-hander Yu Darvish on the restricted list due to a personal matter involving his family. Darvish is stepping away from the team, and Shildt did not provide a timeline for his return. It’s important to note that this issue is unrelated to any physical ailments.
Players on the restricted list do not count towards the 40-man roster, and they do not receive their salary or MLB service time. Darvish will miss out on a portion of his $16MM salary for the 2024 season while he is away from the team. The last time Darvish played for the Padres was on May 29 before being placed on the injured list due to a left groin strain. He had been making progress towards a return but faced setbacks due to inflammation in his right elbow.
Yu Darvish, a five-time All Star with 12 MLB seasons under his belt, joined the Padres in the 2020-21 offseason after a successful stint with the Cubs. He has been a reliable presence in San Diego’s rotation, despite not matching his outstanding 2020 performance. The Padres showed their confidence in Darvish by signing him to a long-term contract that extends through the 2028 season.
The news of Darvish’s absence is a setback for the Padres, who have been relying on younger pitchers to fill the void in their rotation. With fellow starter Joe Musgrove also sidelined, the team is facing rotation needs as they aim to solidify their position for a potential playoff run.
Despite the pitching challenges, the Padres hold a Wild Card spot in the NL with a strong offense. However, the team’s rotation has been a weak spot this season. With uncertainties surrounding the return of key starters, the Padres may look to the trade market for reinforcements before the deadline.
