Bob Melvin With Nothing But Praise For Yu Darvish After WBC Championship

Commends his starting pitcher's commitment to his country.

The last time that Japan was named champions of the World Baseball Classic was the year 2009 and they featured an up-and-coming pitcher by the name of Yu Darvish. Fast forward to 2023, Darvish is now 36-years-old and still suited up for Team Japan as they beat Team USA en route to the title.

Darvish has been fully committed to this year's squad since day one. He arrived to their WBC camp ready to take on a role as a veteran leader and set the example for everybody else coming in. Even though he didn't get the most mound time in the tournament, his responsibilities went beyond just that. 

He was able to work out an agreement with the San Diego Padres where he actually didn't have to start the year with them in Spring Training as he joined Japan in their camp to get ready for the WBC. Team manager Bob Melvin has been on board with Darvish's priorities the entire time and few people were happier than him when he shared his thoughts after Japan's win in a conversation with '97.3 The Fan.'

"Oh, it's huge. From the very beginning, he was completely invested," said Melvin. "He went there from the beginning and Japan probably takes this as serious as any team in the WBC. They get together, the commodity they have. Obviously, they've won three of these things so far. Those guys are all in and that's the way they go about every game. I'm sure that felt good for him, it should've."

Now that the WBC has wrapped up, Darvish will definitely look to continue his winning ways with the Friars. Even though he might not be warm enough to start opening day for them, he'll be back as soon as possible and resume that 2022 play that saw him post a 3.10 ERA and 197 strikeouts.