MLB Rumors: Padres' Yu Darvish Throws Live Batting Practice; Return in 2024 Possible

A return to the mound in 2024 is possible for Yu Darvish, who has been out since May.

Per The Athletic's Dennis Lin, the San Diego Padres starting pitcher threw live batting practice at a San Diego-area high school on Sunday. According to Lin, multiple observers noted that Darvish "appeared healthy and in good form."

Darvish has been working out and throwing on his own since early July. Now, he could be nearing his return.

Lin noted Darvish initially missed time because of multiple injuries. However, he was placed on the restricted list on July 6 as he dealt with "a personal matter."

Darvish initially went on the injured list in late May due to a left groin strain. He was close to returning in June, but experienced some minor elbow pain that kept him off the mound.

According to Lin, Darvish has not informed the team whether he plans to pitch again this season, but throwing against live batting practice is a good sign that he's made progress toward a potential return.

A return would aid the Padres' rotation significantly as they continue their postseason push. San Diego is currently four games ahead in the wild-card race and would likely be able to hold that position if Darvish is back on the mound sometime soon.

The Padres got good news regarding their rotation this week as starter Joe Musgrove is set to return to the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates following a two-month stint on the injured list.

Now, they'll hope to bolster their rotation further by getting Darvish back on the mound.

In 11 appearances this season, Darvish has a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts with a 4-3 record.