The San Diego Padres released a statement Tuesday announcing that pitcher Yu Darvish had surgery on Oct. 29. Per the press release, Darvish had his flexor tendon repaired and an internal brace procedure
for his UCL. The expected recovery time is 12-15 months.
Darvish had Tommy John surgery in 2015, while with the Texas Rangers. He has had elbow issues for the last three seasons related to a diagnosed bone spur as well as announced elbow inflammation. It seems clear this is a similar situation to the one Joe Musgrove had in 2024. The player and the organization knew that he was pitching with a damaged elbow and the goal was to just get as far as possible before the UCL tore too much to pitch.
Darvish developed elbow issues early in Spring Training and was unable to pitch effectively during his 15 starts in 2025. He had a 5-5 record and a 5.38 ERA in 72 innings pitched. It was clear from his comments at the end of the season that he had a decision to make regarding his career. Many assumed that was deciding whether to retire or not. It now seems that he had to decide between retiring or enduring another surgery and rehab ordeal.
If all goes well with his recovery, he can return in 2027 as a 40-year-old. This announcement gives the organization clarity on their starting pitcher needs for 2026.
Musgrove will be returning from his 2024 surgery and Nick Pivetta will be the presumed ace, while Randy Vasquez, JP Sears, Matt Waldron and minor leaguer Omar Cruz are the only starters currently on the 40-man roster. This gives the Padres front office a clear priority for this offseason, starting pitching will be paramount.
