Yu Darish Throws Bullpen, Still Unsure About Padres Return

[Steve Drumwright]

 

While there is a lot to determine about his future, Yu Darvish is giving himself a chance to make a decision about returning to the San Diego Padres.

Darvish threw a second bullpen session before Wednesday's Padres-Pittsburgh Pirates game at Petco Park, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. Darvish, who turned 40 on Aug. 16, had internal brace surgery on his right elbow in October. He is currently on the Padres' restricted list (an agreed-upon move), which means he is not receiving his $16 million salary for 2026. Darvish is under contract for $15 million for each of the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Regardless of the business side of things, the popular Padres pitcher being back on a mound even in a light bullpen session is a positive step in his recovery from elbow surgery.

Darvish indicated to MLB.com that he doesn't know if he intends to be part of the Padres in 2027, but this does allow him the opportunity to keep that a possibility. Darvish made 15 starts in 2025 with a 4.82 FIP (5.38 ERA).

 

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