Yu Darvish to Miss 2026 Season After Elbow Surgery

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres will be without Yu Darvish for the entirety of the 2026 MLB season after the 39-year-old right-hander underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. The operation, which included the installation of an internal brace, was performed last week, the team announced Tuesday.

The setback marks the second major elbow procedure of Darvish’s career. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, returning to the mound more than a year later in May 2016. While the recovery timeline for his current surgery is expected to be shorter, the procedure effectively ends his 2026 campaign and clouds his future beyond that.

In a message posted in Japanese on social media, Darvish told fans he remains determined to come back strong: “I will be working hard on my rehab to be able to throw a ball comfortably again.” The post reflected both humility and resilience, traits that have defined the veteran’s two-decade professional career across Japan and the United States.

For the Padres, Darvish’s absence adds to an already uncertain pitching picture as they prepare for an offseason of potential turnover. Once the team’s dependable ace, he will now focus on recovery while the franchise adjusts its plans for a rotation suddenly short on experience.

1. Tough Season Ends in Surgery

Darvish’s 2025 season was emblematic of his battle with durability. After missing the first three months due to persistent elbow inflammation, he managed just 15 starts, finishing with a 5-5 record and a 5.38 ERA. Despite showing flashes of his former sharpness, command issues and diminished velocity limited his effectiveness. His year ended on a difficult note when he started Game 3 of the Padres’ wild-card series against the Chicago Cubs, surrendering two runs on four hits without recording an out in the second inning. San Diego went on to lose the elimination game, abruptly concluding their postseason run. The surgery confirmed what had become increasingly clear late in the year — Darvish’s elbow troubles had not fully healed. While internal bracing offers a less invasive alternative to traditional Tommy John surgery, it still carries a lengthy recovery process, particularly for pitchers of his age. Team officials have expressed confidence that Darvish will take the time necessary to heal fully, emphasizing that his veteran leadership and professionalism will remain an asset even while sidelined. The organization is also expected to evaluate long-term implications for his contract and roster role beyond 2026.

2. Padres Face Rotation Uncertainty

Darvish’s injury leaves the Padres’ rotation in a precarious state heading into the offseason. Dylan Cease, one of San Diego’s top starters in 2025, has entered free agency, while Michael King declined his option for 2026, also becoming a free agent. Those departures, combined with Darvish’s absence, leave a gaping hole in the team’s starting corps. Currently, Nick Pivetta, Randy Vásquez, and Joe Musgrove — who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery of his own — represent the remaining proven arms under contract. The team also added JP Sears in a midseason trade that brought over highly regarded reliever Mason Miller, a former starter who could potentially shift back into the rotation next year. The Padres’ front office faces a delicate balancing act: replacing lost experience while maintaining payroll flexibility. The franchise has made the postseason in four of the past six years, but consistency has eluded them. With both Cease and King testing free agency, San Diego will need to explore external options or fast-track internal development to stay competitive in a loaded National League. The organization’s challenge will be finding short-term solutions while preserving long-term stability. Darvish’s injury, though significant, could prompt the team to further invest in younger talent or pursue value signings to bridge the gap until he returns.

3. Legacy and Life Beyond the Mound

For Darvish, the upcoming year will mark a pause in an otherwise distinguished career. Over 12 MLB seasons, the five-time All-Star has compiled a 103-87 record with 1,923 strikeouts and a reputation for blending artistry with precision on the mound. He led the American League in strikeouts in 2013 and the National League in wins in 2020, accomplishments that underscore his longevity and adaptability. His current six-year, $108 million contract, signed in February 2023, still has three years remaining. Despite the injury setback, Darvish’s influence on younger pitchers and his role as a clubhouse leader remain highly valued within the organization. Off the field, the veteran will have plenty to keep him engaged. His oldest son, Shoei Darvish, has committed to play baseball at UC San Diego following his upcoming high school graduation — a milestone that provides Yu with an opportunity to support his family while he recovers. Though 2026 will be a year of recovery rather than competition, Darvish’s determination to return mirrors the mindset that has sustained him through past adversity. His focus now shifts from opposing hitters to the long, methodical path of rehabilitation — one more test in a career defined by perseverance and skill.