This season does not look good for San Diego Padres' Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish (39). His recent remarks suggesting he might retire, saying, 'I could quit baseball,' appear to carry weight.
The San Diego Padres reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that Darvish will be placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation. They added that Darvish, who has not pitched since the 14th, will start the season on the injured list. Manager Mike Shildt formalized this announcement, stating, 'I am confident that a little rest will be the answer for Darvish to regain his strength.'
Darvish made two appearances in the spring games this year. In the game against Kansas City on the 14th, he pitched four innings, allowing two hits, issuing two walks, recording four strikeouts, and giving up one run. He confirmed that there were no issues with his pitching, reaching a top fastball speed of 95.9 mph (154.3 km/h) and an average of 94.2 mph (151.6 km/h). He seemed to be building up well in preparation for the regular season.
However, Darvish's condition did not improve afterward, and he felt fatigue and did not pick up a baseball. Ultimately, he was placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation. Observing Darvish's recent actions, it is clear that this placement on the injured list is concerning. Darvish signed a six-year, $108 million long-term contract on February 6, 2023. The contract is guaranteed until his 42nd season. However, since last year, his second year of the contract, Darvish has been placed on the injured list three times due to neck, hip, and elbow issues. He has also been placed on the restricted roster due to family issues. He left a record of 7 wins and 3 losses over 16 games with an earned run average of 3.31 in 81 and two-thirds innings.
When healthy on the mound, he has shown competitiveness, but signs of aging have emerged. Additionally, having seven children has become a factor influencing Darvish's future career. In an interview last month with the San Diego local media 'San Diego Union-Tribune,' he suggested that he might retire before his contract term ends.
He said, 'If I feel that I can no longer play baseball, I will quit.' This meant he would not extend his playing career if his body couldn’t keep up. Having seven children is also one of the reasons he is considering retirement. Darvish mentioned, 'I have a lot of kids. I need to balance family and baseball.' If he declares retirement before the end of the contract term, he will have to forfeit his remaining salary.
Darvish has already accomplished a lot. He recorded 93 wins, 38 losses, and an earned run average of 1.99 over 167 games (164 starts) in Nippon Professional Baseball before moving to the Major League in 2012, where he has played 282 games, pitching 1,706 innings with 110 wins, 88 losses, and an earned run average of 3.58, along with 2,007 strikeouts. He has offered plenty of advice to players like Roki Sasaki (Los Angeles Dodgers) and his teammate Yuki Matsui as a veteran of Japanese big-leaguers.
Considering that Darvish dislikes being a burden to those around him, circumstances are arising that could lead to a dramatic decision. This is why his recent placement on the injured list should not be viewed lightly.
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