Padres’ Yu Darvish out for 2026 season after elbow surgery reveal

Yu Darvish will miss the 2026 MLB season. 

The Padres right-hander underwent UCL brace surgery on his throwing arm, sidelining him for 12-to-15 months, the team announced on Tuesday. 

“Last Wednesday, I underwent elbow surgery performed by Dr. Meister. I will not be able to pitch in games during the 2026 season. I will work hard on my rehabilitation to be able to throw a ball comfortably again,” Darvish wrote in a translated post on X. 

San Diego Padres’ Yu Darvish leaves the game during the second inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Chicago. AP

Darvish, 39, was limited by injuries in 2025. 

The Japanese star didn’t debut until early July after dealing with elbow inflammation during the first half. 

In 72 innings for San Diego, Darvish went 5-5 with a 5.38 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 15 starts. 

Darvish started the Padres’ series-deciding Game 3 against the Cubs during the Wild Card round, giving up four hits and two runs in just one inning of work during the 3-1 loss.

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish works against an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in San Diego. AP

Darvish will be on the other side of 40 if he returns to the big leagues in 2027, which would be his 14th season in the majors. 

Since debuting in 2012 with the Rangers, Darvish has made five All-Star teams and received Cy Young votes in four different seasons. 

He’s registered 115 career wins in stints with the Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs and Padres. 

In 2023, Darvish signed a six-year, $108 million extension with San Diego. 

Darvish has three years and just under $50 million remaining on that deal.