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Jun 30, 2026

Padres Leaving Door Open for Yu Darvish to Pitch This Season

Padres Leaving Door Open for Yu Darvish to Pitch This Season

Yu Darvish could potentially return to the Padres this season.Matt Levine|
Sep 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (11) delivers during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Sep 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (11) delivers during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres have been without starting pitcher Yu Darvish all year with the veteran undergoing internal brace surgery over the offseason.

After having the surgery, Darvish immediately ruled himself out for the 2026 season, with the right-hander pointing to 2027 for a return. But an offseason report from The San Diego Union-Tribune stating that Darvish had planned on retiring created all sorts of storylines.

However, Darvish quickly refuted the report, saying that no decision on his future had been made. The veteran has been rehabbing from the surgery, and now it seems that he could potentially make a return earlier than expected.

Darvish told Times of San Diego during the Padres' recent homestand that he expects to pitch again soon. Padres manager Craig Stammen followed that up by leaving his availability for 2026 up in the air, even though he said he didn't expect him back.

“He looks pretty good, but I don’t expect him back this year,” Stammen said. “Who knows? He could be that October surprise.”

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