Yuki Matsui Starts Season on Injury List! Padres Manager Reveals Injury Status and Recovery Progress

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Yuki Matsui will start the new season on the injury list because of left groin tightness. Manager Mike Shildt confirmed this news today, also stressing that Matsui's recovery is going smoothly and the overall outlook is positive.

According to US media reports, Yuki Matsui is currently recovering well and is expected to begin live batting practice before leaving the Arizona spring training facility, followed by a gradual transition into game-readiness adjustments. The team's internal assessment indicates that his injury is not severe, and if recovery proceeds smoothly, he could return to the major leagues shortly after the season begins.

Yuki Matsui first experienced discomfort during live batting practice on February 19 during spring training. After throwing 21 pitches, he voluntarily requested to leave the session and was later diagnosed with left groin tightness, which led to his withdrawal from the originally selected Samurai Japan roster for the World Baseball Classic.

The 30-year-old Yuki Matsui is in the third year of a five-year contract with the Padres and is a key asset in the bullpen. Last season, he appeared in 61 games, recording 3 wins, 1 loss, 3 holds, and 1 save, with a stable ERA of 3.98.

Although this injury affects his season start, if his recovery progresses smoothly, he is still expected to return to the lineup in a short time and continue to provide support for the Padres' bullpen.