San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish pitched in his first spring training game of the year against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, March 8. Given Darvish’s age — he’ll turn 39 during the 2025 season — staying healthy on the mound is a key focus.
He only appeared in 16 games last season for the Padres and hopes to spend a lot more time on the mound in 2025. In 2024, he gave up 65 hits and 32 runs (30 earned) across 81.2 innings. Darvish also posted a 78:22 K:BB alongside a 1.07 WHIP.
Darvish has made 20+ appearances in nine of his first 13 major league seasons.
Yu Darvish Understands His Health Is No. 1 Priority
Darvish is being extra careful about staying healthy for the upcoming 2025 season. After pitching on Saturday against the Guardians, he spoke to the media about his plan for the season and about his health.
“One thing is diet, being cognizant of what you’re putting in your body,” Darvish said. “Obviously, the sleep — you have to get a good night’s sleep. Also, I think it’s about the training. What is it that your body needs on a given day, and go about it. I’ve always done those things, but I think I’m a little bit more careful with it now. Just a little bit more detail-oriented.”
On Saturday, Darvish threw 57 pitches across 2.2 innings against the Guardians, giving up four hits and two runs. He also walked one batter and recorded three strikeouts.
Following the outing, Darvish added: “It’s been an eventful spring training the last couple of years. But just to be able to settle down in Arizona for the whole spring and be able to get ready for the season, I think that’s very good for me.”
Darvish is projected to be the No. 3 starter for the Padres this season. The rest of San Diego’s rotation projects to consist of Dylan Cease, Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Kyle Hart.
Darvish said about pitching on Saturday through interpreter Shingo Horie, “You’re working toward that particular day to pitch, so you have to make that adjustment a little bit. But I think it was better to pitch today versus pitching in the rain yesterday.”
A healthy Darvish is likely to be key to San Diego’s hopes of getting back to the postseason in 2025.