Yuki

Matsui

It’s an interesting decision as Matsui is only set to make $6.5 million in 2027 after a remarkable season in which he posted a 1.83 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 68/36 K/BB ratio over 64 innings in 54 appearances out of the Padres’ bullpen. He’ll once again function as part of the Padres’ setup corps in front of dominant closer Mason Miller.

Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and Bradgley Rodriguez were all unavailable tonight after pitching the previous two days, but Matsui got the job done for his second save in three MLB seasons after 236 in Japan. He’s never really been treated like a high-leverage reliever by the Padres, but he’s sporting a 1.98 ERA in 59 innings this season.

Matsui returns to San Diego’s bullpen mix after missing nearly six weeks at the outset of the season with a left groin strain. The 30-year-old southpaw has been a key component of the Padres’ relief corps, making 125 appearances since 2024.

The 26-year-old hurler made 11 appearances during his time with the Padres, posting an unappealing 6.08 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and a 15/11 K/BB ratio across 13 1/3 innings of work. A corresponding move will be made on Friday, which is expected to be the activation from the injured list of either Jeremiah Estrada or Yuki Matsui to fill the empty spot in the Padres’ bullpen.

Matsui has already progressed to facing hitters and should be ready to return to San Diego’s relief corps at some point in April. The 30-year-old missed the World Baseball Classic due to the ailment after 125 relief appearances for the Padres over the past two seasons.

The 30-year-old hurler is making progress in his recovery and is set to face live hitters in the next few days, but he’s going to need a bit longer to get ramped up for the regular season. He should be ready to join the Padres’ bullpen at some point in April.

Yumeto Kanemaru will take Matsui’s place on Japan’s WBC roster. Matsui told reporters he is continuing a build-up, but hasn’t yet progressed to throwing off a mound. It sounds like he might have an early-season IL stint if he can’t progress to throwing off a mound in the near future.

Matsui suffered the injury during a live batting practice session on Thursday. They’ll take it day-by-day and see how he’s feeling, but it sounds like he may be unable to compete in the Classic. As of now though, his availability for the start of the regular season isn’t in doubt.

Hart’s removal from San Diego’s relief mix seems to signal that Yuki Matsui and rookie Bradgley Rodriguez are going to make the club’s postseason roster.

Matsui did issue a walk, but he was able to fan Dalton Rushing to end the game. The Padres entered the ninth with a 5-0 cushion, but both Sean Reynolds and Robert Suarez were unable to keep the Dodgers off the board. It’s especially concerning to see Suarez struggle again, as this is his third-straight appearance where he’s allowed a run. The Padres may need to turn to Matsui and Jason Adam if these struggles continue, but neither pitcher should be rostered just yet.