The San Diego Padres are in a strong position as the 2024 MLB season enters its final stretch. With a 76-60 record, they currently hold the second National League wild card spot, providing them a cushion as they aim to secure a playoff berth. The return of star pitcher Yu Darvish could be crucial in their postseason push.
Darvish hasn’t pitched since May 29th, having been placed on the restricted list due to a personal matter. Although he was reinstated on August 23rd, he was immediately placed on the injured list to allow time to ramp back up before returning to the mound. Fortunately, recent updates suggest Darvish is on track for a near-future comeback.
“Darvish traveled to the team’s Spring Training complex in Peoria, Ariz., on August 29th, with plans to pitch four innings in a controlled game environment on either August 30th or 31st. If all goes well, Darvish would likely make a rehab start after that. The veteran right-hander was dealing with groin and elbow injuries earlier this season, but he says those injuries have subsided and that his placement on the IL is strictly ‘a matter of ramping up.’” – MLB.com
Darvish’s return would provide a significant boost to the Padres’ rotation. Before his absence, Darvish was off to a strong start this season (4-3, 3.20 ERA, 53 K, 1.07 WHIP), and the hope is he can pick up where he left off if he returns to action.
In the meantime, Dylan Cease and Michael King are leading the rotation, but Darvish’s return could be a game-changer for the Padres as they make their final playoff push. The team is hopeful that Darvish won’t encounter any setbacks and that he could rejoin the majors by mid-September, just in time to contribute to their postseason efforts.
