Yu Darvish Focused on Recovery, Not Return, as Elbow Rehab Continues
Yu Darvish has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Whether it's adjusting his mechanics midseason or taking the ball in a must-win game, the veteran right-hander has built a career on resilience and reinvention. But now, at 39, Darvish finds himself facing perhaps the toughest opponent yet: time-and a surgically repaired elbow.
During a recent stop on the Padres' Holiday Tour at San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House, Darvish gave a candid update on his recovery from flexor tendon and UCL surgery. The procedure, which addressed lingering issues in his throwing elbow, has cast uncertainty over the future of a career that’s spanned over a decade and multiple continents.
For now, Darvish is keeping things simple. He’s not thinking about pitching. He’s thinking about healing.
“I’m not necessarily thinking about really pitching as I go through this rehab process right now,” Darvish said through interpreter Shingo Horie. “I don’t have that in my mind.
I’m just trying to rehab my arm right now. And if I get the urge to come back, if I feel that I can stand on the mound and come back, then I will go for that.
But I’ll just leave it there for now.”
That kind of honesty is rare, especially from a player with three years and $46 million still left on his contract. But Darvish has always been a different kind of competitor-deeply introspective, methodical, and unafraid to put the team before himself.
Back in March, during Spring Training, Darvish was told the damage to his elbow was significant enough to require surgery. But instead of going under the knife right away, he chose to pitch through it. He altered his arm slot, adjusted his mechanics, and tried to find a way to contribute-knowing full well it might be his last shot.
It didn’t go as planned. Darvish returned in July but struggled mightily, posting a 5.38 ERA over 15 starts-his worst statistical season in the majors.
The stuff wasn’t there, and hitters took advantage. It became clear the flexor tendon was the main culprit, but the surgical team also reinforced his UCL with a brace-adding another layer of protection to a ligament that had already been through Tommy John in 2015 and an arthroscopic cleanup in 2018.
This marks the third straight season Darvish has dealt with elbow issues as a Padre. And while the physical toll is evident, the mental side of the recovery might be just as daunting. Still, his presence within the organization remains significant.
Even if Darvish never throws another pitch, his value to the Padres goes beyond the mound. Manager Craig Stammen has pointed to Darvish’s mentorship of young pitchers-particularly Randy Vasquez-as a key part of the team’s development pipeline. That leadership, that ability to break down a pitch grip or explain sequencing in a bullpen session, is something you can’t put a stat on-but it matters.
And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the front office, either. A.J.
Preller has long admired players who bring more than just on-field production to the table. If Darvish eventually transitions into a consulting or front office role, it would be a natural fit.
He’s already shown a willingness to step back for the good of the team, even in the past when personal matters kept him away from the field.
For now, though, Darvish isn’t thinking about titles or roles. He’s focused on getting his arm right. Whether that leads to another comeback or a new chapter in baseball, he’s leaving that door open-but not forcing it.
And that’s classic Darvish. Thoughtful.
Measured. Still fighting-but on his own terms.