Padres GM Says Yu Darvish Will Rehab at Own Pace Yu Darvish is starting the 2026 season on the San Diego Padres’ restricted list as the veteran right-hander prioritizes a gradual recovery from elbow surgery while evaluating his future with the team, according to general manager A.J. Preller. The decision, which places Darvish on a modified schedule, reflects his desire to balance his health and family commitments with the demands of professional baseball. Preller emphasized that Darvish’s approach benefits both the team and its fans, though it does not guarantee additional financial flexibility for acquiring new pitching talent. Preller praised Darvish’s choice, calling him a “very special person” and highlighting his commitment to the organization’s interests. The 39-year-old Japanese star, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, has opted to avoid the typical rehabilitation grind in San Diego, instead focusing on spending time with his family. While he is not ready to retire, Darvish remains uncertain about whether he can return to his previous level of performance after a second major elbow surgery. Preller noted that Darvish has been transparent about his situation since the offseason, acknowledging that his current physical condition does not align with his desired level of play. The Padres’ decision to place Darvish on the restricted list was planned during the offseason, with discussions finalized in recent weeks involving the commissioner’s office and the players’ union. As part of the arrangement, Darvish will not receive his salary while on the list—a condition few major leaguers would accept voluntarily.#san_diego_padres #aj_preller #tommy_john_surgery #nick_pivetta #yu_darvish
Padres Signing Veteran Reliever Days Before Opening Day in Exciting Move The San Diego Padres have signed veteran reliever José Leclerc to a minor league deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The move was first reported by MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, who noted the two sides were close to reaching an agreement. Leclerc, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, is expected to join the Padres' organization after recovering from a lat muscle strain that ended his 2024 season with the Athletics. Leclerc, 32, appeared in 10 games for the Athletics last season, posting a 6.00 ERA across nine innings. Over his nine-year MLB career, he has maintained a solid 3.34 ERA in 360 appearances. The right-hander made his major league debut in 2016 with the Texas Rangers, where he became a key reliever. His career highlights include a 1.56 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 57.2 innings during his breakout 2018 season. However, his performance dipped in 2019, when he posted a 4.33 ERA, followed by a Tommy John surgery in 2021. After recovering from the injury, Leclerc rebounded with a 2.83 ERA in 2022 and a 2.68 ERA in 2023. Despite this resurgence, he struggled in 2024, which marked his final season with the Rangers. The following offseason, Leclerc signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Athletics, but was shut down after just 10 games due to a lat strain requiring season-ending surgery. The Padres’ decision to sign Leclerc to a minor league deal reflects their cautious approach to adding depth to their already formidable bullpen. The team already boasts one of the best relief units in MLB, but general manager AJ Preller has consistently emphasized the value of having additional pitching options. Leclerc will begin his tenure in the minors, working with the Padres’ coaching staff to regain his form.#mlb #san_diego_padres #jose_leclerc #new_york_post #aj_preller
