Imagine a seasoned pitcher, a veteran of the mound, facing a challenge that could redefine his legacy. Yu Darvish, the Padres' right-handed ace, has undergone surgery to repair a damaged UCL and flexor tendon, sidelining him for the entire 2026 season. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t Darvish’s first rodeo with elbow injuries. Back in 2015, he missed an entire season due to Tommy John surgery. Now, at 39, with over 3,119 innings pitched across his illustrious career in both MLB and Japan, Darvish’s future hangs in the balance. Will he return to form, or is this the beginning of the end for one of baseball’s most enduring stars?
The surgery, performed last Wednesday, was an internal brace procedure rather than a full Tommy John reconstruction. Yet, the outcome remains the same: a year-long recovery that leaves the Padres scrambling to fill a massive void in their rotation. Darvish’s 2025 season was already a shadow of his former self, with a 5.38 ERA over 15 starts and a strikeout rate that dipped to a career-low 23%. His chase and whiff rates were well below average, though his walk rate remained solid. Still, 14 home runs allowed in just 72 innings hinted at a pitcher struggling to regain his dominance.
And this is the part most people miss: Darvish’s age and injury history have sparked whispers of retirement. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently noted that Darvish has made no assurances about completing his contract, which still guarantees him $43 million through 2028. While this surgery suggests he’s committed to continuing his career, any setbacks during rehab could change his mind. Is Darvish risking too much by pushing forward, or is this a testament to his unwavering passion for the game?
The Padres’ rotation is now in flux. Of the seven pitchers who made the most starts in 2025, only Nick Pivetta and Randy Vasquez remain. Dylan Cease and Michael King are free agents, Stephen Kolek and Ryan Bergert were traded, and now Darvish is out. The projected 2026 rotation includes Pivetta, Vasquez, deadline acquisition JP Sears, and Joe Musgrove returning from his own Tommy John surgery. The fifth spot could be a battle between Matt Waldron, Kyle Hart, or even star relievers Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon. San Diego’s need for starting pitching was already pressing; now, it’s critical.
But here’s the controversial question: Should the Padres have planned better for Darvish’s potential absence, or is this simply the unpredictable nature of baseball? With Darvish’s injury history, was it wise to rely so heavily on him? And what does this mean for the team’s postseason aspirations in 2026?
As Darvish embarks on another grueling recovery, the baseball world will be watching. Will he defy the odds once again, or will Father Time finally catch up? One thing’s for sure: the Padres’ rotation will never be the same. What do you think? Is Darvish’s career nearing its end, or does he still have one more comeback left in him? Let us know in the comments!
