Right-handed pitcher Yu Darvish has commenced the season on the San Diego Padres’ restricted list as he recovers from elbow surgery. This designation means he will not receive immediate payment from the team.
Darvish, who is 39 years old, was placed on the restricted list instead of the injured list as the Padres finalized their 26-player active roster. After undergoing elbow ligament repair surgery late last year, he will not pitch this season, although he has not announced his retirement.
Contract and Financial Implications
Yu Darvish is set to earn $43 million over the final three seasons of his six-year, $108 million contract, which includes $15 million in 2026 and $14 million each in 2027 and 2028.
Strategic Move for the Padres
The decision to place Darvish on the restricted list may provide the Padres with additional financial flexibility to acquire another player. The team is actively seeking another quality starting pitcher as they gear up for their home opener against Detroit on Thursday, particularly with Joe Musgrove expected to start the season on the injured list due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Understanding the Restricted List
Utilizing the restricted list allows teams to maintain a player’s rights while freeing up a roster spot. While on this list, players do not accrue service time, but Darvish has already qualified for MLB’s pension plan after 13 years and 146 days in the majors.
Darvish’s Career Highlights
Yu Darvish is recognized as one of Japan’s most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history, having earned five All-Star selections and recorded 115 victories. Throughout his 13 seasons in the United States, he has maintained a career ERA of 3.65 while playing for four different teams.
Recent Performance and Recovery
In recent seasons, Darvish made only 16 starts in 2024 and 15 in 2025 for the Padres. He faced elbow inflammation that delayed his pitching until July last season, and he exited his final playoff game in the second inning last October.
Future Considerations
Two months following his surgery, Darvish refuted claims of having informed the Padres about his retirement intentions, indicating that he had yet to make a decision but was contemplating voiding his contract while emphasizing the need for further discussions.
“Currently, I am entirely focused on my elbow rehabilitation. If I reach a point where I can throw again, I will start from the beginning to compete,” Darvish expressed on social media. “If I feel I cannot do that, I will announce my retirement.”