The Padres will not have Yu Darvish (elbow inflammation) in their rotation at the start of the season, according to the latest information from manager Mike Schildt. Darvish’s injury is discomfort in his right elbow, which he first experienced after his four-inning appearance on March 13.
Yu Darvish (elbow inflammation) will miss the start of the season — news that has been expected for a few days but was just confirmed by Mike Shildt. No timetable, though Shildt said: “We feel pretty comfortable that some rest and getting ramped back up will be the answer.”
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In his 6 2/3 inning this Spring Training, he allowed three runs on six hits while striking out seven and picking up a victory. Schildt doesn’t seem to expect a long absence for the veteran righty, but it doesn’t look like he’ll quite be ready for the start of the season and may need a minor-league rehab, depending on how long he ends up being sidelined.
Last year, he was limited to 16 starts but was effective when available, going 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA, 4.08 FIP and 8.6 K/9.
Fantasy baseball impact
If a veteran starting pitcher becomes available as rosters are finalized, the Padres could be interested since they’re stretched thin with both Darvish and Mall Waldron (oblique) starting the season on IL.
If they don’t make an addition, Dylan Cease, Michael King and Nick Pivetta will likely be joined by two of the trio of Stephen Kolek, Randy Vasquez, and Kyle Hart who were battling for the fifth starter role along with Waldron prior to his injury.
Vasquez has had a rough Spring Training, giving up seven runs (two earned) in four innings while Hart and Kolek have shown a little more promise. Kolek is looking to move into the rotation after making 42 appearances out of the bullpen for the Padres last season, posting a 5.21 ERA, 3.57 FIP and 7.5 K/9.
The Padres will likely announce their rotation soon but being without Darvish for the start of the year definitely leaves them stretched thin for options.
