Yu Darvish’s UCL Surgery Sidelines Him for 2026 Season
Yu Darvish, the right-handed pitcher for the San Diego Padres, has recently undergone surgical intervention to repair a damaged right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and flexor tendon. This surgery took place last Wednesday and involved an internal brace technique, rather than a full Tommy John procedure. Unfortunately, the outcome means Darvish will miss the entire 2026 MLB season during his recovery.
Impact on Darvish’s Career
This marks the second complete season that Darvish will be sidelined. He previously missed all of 2015 due to a full Tommy John surgery. Over the years, he has experienced episodes of elbow soreness, the latest of which led him to the 60-day injured list this season, stemming from elbow inflammation encountered during Spring Training.
2023 Season Performance Overview
Darvish faced difficulties during the 2023 season. He made his season debut on July 7 but showed signs of struggle throughout his appearances. He logged a total of 72 innings over 15 starts, posting a 5.38 earned run average (ERA).
Statistical Highlights
- Innings Pitched: 72
- Earned Run Average: 5.38
- Strikeout Rate: 23% (lowest in 13 MLB seasons)
- Walk Rate: 6.4% (remained strong)
- Home Runs Allowed: 14
Although his walk rate remained competitive and he efficiently limited hard contact, Darvish allowed a significant number of home runs when batters made contact. As such, the upcoming season will pose a challenge for Darvish in terms of recovery and return to elite performance.
With Darvish out for 2026, the Padres will need to adjust their pitching strategy as they look ahead to future seasons. More updates on his recovery process and the Padres’ plans are anticipated as the situation develops.
