San Diego Padres Make Surprising, Unexpected Move With Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish was already going to miss the entire 2026 season recovering from elbow surgery. But in a surprising move, instead of just going on the injured list, Darvish is being placed by the San Diego Padres on the restricted list. Teams do not have to pay players on the restricted list.

Yu Darvish is expected to go on the restricted list as he recovers from elbow surgery, which could save the Padres significant money, per @Alden_Gonzalez.

Teams are not required to pay players while they're on the restricted list. pic.twitter.com/LXaqzxz8ll
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 25, 2026

According to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, this move could free up the Padres to go out and sign the one big free agent still on the market in Lucas Giolito. The Friars' starting staff needs the help.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of time a player can spend on the restricted list. But it does free up a spot on the team's 40-man roster, and could save the Padres the $16 million in salary that the 39-year-old was owed in 2026.

He is in the fourth year of a six-year, $108 million extension. Darvish wrote on social media back in January that he was "leaning towards voiding the contract". But Gonzalez says there is no indication that the five-time All-Star Japanese pitcher is going to retire anytime soon, although he would be 40 next season if he does return.

In 2025, Darvish made 15 starts, and posted a career-worst 5.38 ERA. Oddly, he still had a solid WHIP at 1.18. He had an internal brace procedure on his elbow in November.

"Right now I am fully focused on my rehab for my elbow, and if I get to a point where I can throw again, I will start from scratch again to compete," Darvish said in January. "If once I get to that point I feel I can't do that, I will announce my retirement."

For his career, over 13 major league seasons, Darvish has a 3.65 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings.