As San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove prepares to make his return, it remains to be seen whether star Yu Darvish will return this season.
Darvish is now on the restricted list due to a family situation that has kept him away from the organization. He was placed on the restricted list over a month ago, on July 6.
“He’s dealing with a personal matter involving his family,” Padres manager Mike Shildt explained in July. “Clearly, we want to protect his privacy. He wants everyone to know he’s in good physical condition. He’s still working on his skill. However, he will take a break for the time being to deal with some personal issues.
According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are still hoping that Darvish will return this season, and a source has stated that there is a “scenario” in which he may return.
While Darvish may be able to return, there is also the possibility that he will not. This means the Padres will have to compete for the postseason without the five-time All-Star.
Darvish was placed on the injured list on June 1 due to a groin ailment before being transferred to the restricted list. Darvish was placed on the injured list for the second time this season, having previously been placed on in April due to neck discomfort.
Darvish last pitched for the Padres on May 29th of this season. Darvish started against the Miami Marlins and went three innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs while striking out two.
Overall, Darvish has only started 11 games this season. The Padres’ Opening Day starter is 4-3 with a 3.20 ERA and 53 strikeouts this year. Darvish allowed zero earned runs in five of those starts and had a solid May with a 2.93 ERA.
Without Darvish, the Padres have used a bullpen with Dylan Cease, Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Matt Waldron, and Martín Pérez, a recent acquisition. Cease, King, Vasquez, and Waldron have been the basis of this rotation for much of the season, while Pérez made a great debut for the team.
The Padres are expected to receive assistance from Musgrove, the team’s No. 2 starter entering the season. Musgrove will return from an elbow problem after being placed on the IL on June 1. Musgrove is 3-4 this year, with a 5.66 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 10 starts.
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