Padres’ Yu Darvish Announces Major Surgery News
San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish revealed significant surgery news regarding his health. On social media, he announced that he underwent internal brace surgery on his right elbow. This major procedure includes a flexor tendon repair and will keep him off the field until 2027.
Details of Yu Darvish’s Surgery
Darvish shared the news on his Twitter/X and Instagram accounts, indicating that Dr. Keith Meister performed the surgery last Wednesday. In his native Japanese, he expressed his commitment to working hard on rehabilitation to regain comfortable throwing ability.
Recovery Timeline and Impact
The Padres announced a recovery timeline of approximately 12 to 15 months. This is the second time Darvish has undergone UCL repair. He will be turning 40 next year, which adds to the concern surrounding his return.
The upcoming 2026 season was supposed to be his fourth in a six-year, $108 million contract extension that he signed in February 2023. Prior to the surgery, Darvish dealt with elbow inflammation, which initially placed him on the injured list in March.
- 2025 season performance: 15 starts, 5-5 record, 5.38 ERA.
- Strikeouts: 68 in 72 innings.
- Walks and Hits Per Inning Pitched (WHIP): 1.18.
- Home runs allowed: 14 in 72 innings.
Padres’ Pitching Rotation Dynamics
Darvish’s surgery represents a significant challenge for the Padres as they approach the offseason. The team is also facing voids left by Michael King and Dylan Cease, both of whom became free agents following the World Series.
Nick Pivetta and Randy Vasquez remain as the only consistent holdovers from the 2025 rotation. Joe Musgrove, recovering from Tommy John surgery, may have limitations on his innings in 2026 but is expected to be ready for the season’s start.
The Padres may look to re-sign both King and Cease but are likely to seek further depth in their rotation given Darvish’s extended absence.
Conclusion
As Yu Darvish begins his recovery journey, the Padres must strategize their pitching lineup for the upcoming season. Darvish’s commitment to rehabilitation will be crucial in determining his future contributions to the team.
