Padres' Yu Darvish Uncertain for MLB Opening Day amid Elbow Injury, Mike Shildt Says

The San Diego Padres could be without their veteran starting pitcher to start the season next week.

Per The Athletic's Dennis Lin, Yu Darvish's status for the beginning of the season is in question because of elbow inflammation. Darvis previously had to pause his throwing schedule because of "general fatigue," manager Mike Shildt said, and then dealt with inflammation in his right elbow after last week's start in the Cactus League.

“(After) the game (Thursday), he had some general fatigue associated with it. He was taking some time,” Shildt said. “The feedback’s a little bit early, but talking to (the Padres’ medical staff), we’ll see how he recovers from it, give him a couple more days. The arm factor, we don’t know what it is exactly. But he did have some elbow tightness, and he got through playing catch, which was a good sign.”

According to Lin, Shildt said “it’s definitely possible” Darvish's status for the beginning of the season could be impacted by the injury.

Darvish, 38, is gearing up for his fifth season with the Padres. In 2024, the veteran recorded a 3.31 ERA in 16 starts.

Should Darvish have to miss time due to the elbow injury, it will only add to the list of Padres' starting pitchers dealing with ailments this season. Joe Musgrove won't pitch in 2025 after having Tommy John surgery in October while Matt Waldron, who suffered an oblique strain last week, is expected to start the year on the injured list.

The Padres begin their season with a series against the Atlanta Braves starting next Thursday.