Darvish made his return from injury, pitching a full five innings but allowing three runs! His teammates could only score two runs, resulting in their second loss.

In his third start since returning from injury, Darvish showed improvement: "He has effectively returned."

Yu Darvish pitched a quality five innings today, but the team lost 2-4 to the Nationals. The lineup provided some support, and the defense—highlighted by Jackson Merrill's smart double play in the third inning—performed well, but it was still not enough to secure a series victory.

“We played a great game,” said manager Mike Shildt, “Overall, it was a good game... The defense was particularly dazzling tonight, with Jackson's several plays—wow! His key catch in the eighth inning was highlight-reel worthy. Darvish's handling of the bunt in the first inning was also outstanding. Our defense was excellent, but we just couldn't take the lead.”

“We are fighting and never giving up,” said José Iglesias, “Winning and losing are part of the game. We need to turn the page and prepare for tomorrow.”

In the eighth inning, there was a turning point: Fernando Tatis Jr. was caught in a rundown between third and home after a pop-up toward the pitcher, initially ruled safe on base—creating a bases-loaded situation with one out. However, after a review, San Diego was left with two outs and runners on first and second, and the rally fizzled out before it could ignite.

“We created opportunities to get on base but failed to deliver the key hit,” summarized Shildt.

The Nationals' lineup only managed to break through against Darvish in the later innings: Brady House, Daylen Lile, and Drew Millas—the youngest core in the Nationals—strung together three hits with two outs in the second inning to take a 2-0 lead. But Darvish quickly adjusted to escape the jam.

“The subsequent results were obviously good,” Darvish said through translator Shingo Horie, “but some of the hits were quite strong. I think the defense behind me performed excellently, so it was a bit lucky to escape the jam.”

Darvish pitched five innings, allowing five hits and three runs, with one walk and one strikeout. The third run came in the fifth inning: Lile walked, then scored on a one-out single by Jacob Young and a groundout by CJ Abrams.

“I’m not satisfied with my pitching performance,” Darvish admitted, “Being able to pitch five innings is the longest I’ve gone since returning, which is a positive step. However, I may have focused too much on attacking the strike zone, which I can adjust next time.”

“...this is just a necessary process of returning to the mound: I need to fine-tune my mechanics to regain precise control. Once I achieve that, things should improve.”

As the 38-year-old Darvish gradually increases his pitching workload, the significance of actual results (especially the statistics) is becoming less important than the intangible progress. Today marked the longest innings he has pitched since returning, but he only used 69 pitches. In comparison, he threw 83 pitches over 4.2 innings against the Phillies on July 13.

“After three starts, he has effectively returned,” Shildt asserted, “We didn’t intentionally add more innings. The bullpen is quite deep, with nine pitchers available, though we encountered some trouble—but I believe he is truly back... it was overall an encouraging start.”

Thus, Darvish will continue to move forward, seeking his first win of the season—this win would help him surpass Hiroki Kuroda and achieve the record for the most wins between Japan and the U.S.

“When Darvish returns to the mound, seeing a legend with 203 career wins standing tall with experience is incredibly valuable leadership,” Shildt emphasized, “Witnessing his return is immensely reassuring.”