The San Diego Padres signed Japanese lefty Yuki Matsui to a five-year deal this winter to anchor its bullpen. However, manager Mike Shildt provided reporters with a potentially alarming update regarding Matsui’s Opening Day status.
Matsui reported back discomfort in late February and stopped throwing for about a week after an MRI revealed inflammation. He returned to the mound on Tuesday to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session at non-max effort. Shildt told reporters that Matsui felt well after the session, but was also noncommittal about whether he would be available on Opening Day.
Mike Shildt was asked for the latest update on Yuki Matsui’s health: pic.twitter.com/wxto1OKjWu
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 6, 2024
Back Issues Might Sideline LHP Yuki Matsui on Opening Day
The Padres start the season on March 20 by playing two games in South Korea against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team could use Matsui against such a great lineup, but are not sure if they will have him. Shildt said “there is a possibility” that Matsui will be available on Opening Day, but that “it’s too early to say with any weight to it.”
He also told reporters that the team does not want to push Matsui, an important piece to the bullpen, for the games in South Korea. Shildt praised Matsui’s honesty regarding his health and revealed that the team will rely on feedback from the pitcher when making their decision.
When talking to the San Diego Union-Tribune after the bullpen session on Tuesday, Matsui seemed to be on the same page as Shildt.
“This was my first bullpen after I got (through) rehab, and I felt good,” Matsui said. “But I need to go out there and throw 100 percent. I just want to see how I feel [on Wednesday] and how the body responds.”
Matsui has pitched in just one game this spring, but he looked electric in it. The 28-year-old struck out the side against the Dodgers on just 9 pitches.
Yuki Matsui needed just 9 pitches to strikeout the side in his Spring Training debut ?
pic.twitter.com/ri3bwJxQQX— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) February 22, 2024
If Yuki Matsui misses Opening Day or more, more responsibility will fall on Robert Suarez while pitchers like Wandy Peralta and Steven Wilson will have to pick up some slack as well.
Photo Credit: © Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
