Padres Make Decision on Yu Darvish Starting on Sunday

Oct 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (11) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game five of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish will not be making his season debut on Sunday, per Padres insider AJ Cassavell.

The veteran threw a bullpen session on Saturday, ruling out a Sunday start, but manager Mike Shildt did say that Darvish is "very close" to a return.

Also per Cassavell, it's reasonable to think that Darvish's debut will be at some point this week, specifically during a four-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Yu Darvish threw his bullpen session today, which rules him out for tomorrow's start, Mike Shildt confirmed. But Shildt said Darvish is "very close." Reasonable to think he'll be back at some point during this week's four-game series vs. Arizona.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) July 5, 2025

Darvish has been on the injured list since March with elbow inflammation. He was moved to the 60-day IL in the middle of June but has recently been making strides towards his season debut.

Shildt caused rumors to start on Thursday when refusing to deny if Darvish could be Sunday's starter.

“Could be,” Shildt said. “Could not be. We haven’t made that decision. … I’m not saying it is him. I’m not not saying it is him.”

After throwing 64 pitches in a simulated game against low-A talent on Tuesday, Darvish getting an imminent start doesn't feel too far away.

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When Darvish started his rehab assignment this past May, he had a brief setback despite a promising start, citing the high altitude and dry climate as the reasoning for his slight illness.

He seems to not only be much healthier, but is almost ready to once again take the mound for the Padres.

Darvish had a 3.31 ERA across 16 starts last season totaling 81.2 innings of work. This graded him out with an ERA+ of 124, about 25 percent higher than the league average.

The Padres current rotation is tied for the sixth fewest wins by starting pitchers in MLB this season at 24, and tied for the third-worst mark for losses in games started with 23. A talent like Darvish would be an incredible addition to the team when he returns.

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