The San Diego Padres activated pitcher Yu Darvish from the restricted list on Friday after a seven-week absence. Darvish has been away from the team to deal with “a personal matter involving his family,” per manager Mike Shildt. To make room on the 40-man roster, San Diego designated infielder Matthew Batten for assignment.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Fa6WW0uRCb
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 23, 2024
Padres Activate Yu Darvish from the Restricted List
Darvish landed on the injured list with a left groin strain after his start on May 29. His rehab went well and he looked close to a return. However, right elbow inflammation popped up and pushed back his timeline.
It was during this setback that the Padres placed Darvish on the restricted list. That said, the organization was adamant that the veteran’s status on the list solely stemmed from his family matter and not from any physical issue.
Fortunately for the Padres, Darvish made sure to play catch and keep his arm in shape while away. The organization did a great job at strengthening the bullpen at the trade deadline. But, the back of the rotation leaves much to be desired. Getting Darvish back will no doubt boost an already surging team.
Yu Darvish is back.
Going to be pretty wild if after all that has happened this season, Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove and Darvish end up being the Padres’ 1-2-3 at end of season.
Darvish has been reinstated from restricted list and will be at Petco Park today.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) August 23, 2024
The 38-year-old posted a 3.20 ERA (128 ERA+) in 11 starts this season. Though his strikeout rate has declined for several years, Darvish remains one of the better pitchers in the game. The Padres rotation will improve significantly when he slots behind Joe Musgrove, Dylan Cease, and Michael King.
Plus, the Padres will activate a fully rested Darvish at a point in the schedule where players are typically exhausted. Many players run on fumes down the stretch and into the postseason. Darvish should pitch at full strength for the final five weeks of the regular season and through October. That could serve as a huge advantage for both the Padres and the 38-year-old hurler.
Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
