URGENT UPDATE: San Diego Padres veteran pitcher Yu Darvish has undergone Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) repair surgery on his right elbow. This critical procedure means he is set to miss the entire 2026 season. Darvish shared the news on social media just hours ago, revealing that he had the surgery last Wednesday and is now using an internal brace to aid in the recovery process.
In his announcement, Darvish emphasized his commitment to rehabilitation, stating, “I will be working hard on my rehab to be able to throw a ball comfortably again.” The typical recovery timeline for this surgery ranges from 12 to 15 months, according to the Padres, marking a significant setback for the 39-year-old pitcher.
Last season, Darvish finished with a 5-5 record and a 5.38 ERA, struggling to find consistency on the mound. His absence will undoubtedly impact the Padres’ pitching rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season. Notably, Darvish has three years and nearly $50 million remaining on his six-year contract, making this injury particularly concerning for both him and the organization.
As fans and teammates react to this announcement, the Padres will now need to strategize around his absence. The team is expected to explore options for bolstering their pitching lineup ahead of the 2026 season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Darvish’s recovery and the Padres’ plans moving forward. This situation is developing rapidly, and fans are eager to see how the team adapts without one of its veteran leaders.
