US EditionPadres Reliever Matsui Out of WBC for Japan and Uncertain for MLB Opener because of Groin Strain
Yuki Matsui suffered a left groin strain during Padres spring training, leading to his replacement on Team Japan's World Baseball Classic roster and uncertain Opening Day status.
- In a roster move announced Thursday, Team Japan replaced left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui with Chunichi Dragons left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru on its 2026 World Baseball Classic roster.
- During spring training, Matsui strained his left groin in a live batting practice session at Padres spring training camp after cutting a session short last week following about 20 pitches.
- Now limited to flat-ground work, Matsui is following a throwing progression, has resumed playing catch, but has yet to start mound throwing and the timeline remains unknown.
- The Padres had already tabbed Mason Miller as closer after Robert Suarez's departure, but if Yuki Matsui misses time, they will rely on Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon and bullpen candidates as his Opening Day status is uncertain.
- With the World Baseball Classic starting March 5 and Japan opening March 6 at the Tokyo Dome, the short window before San Diego’s March 26 opener heightens schedule pressure.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Padres notebook: Manny Machado close to WBC-ready, Yuki Matsui’s disappointment
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Manny Machado will play in one more Cactus League game on Friday before departing for the World Baseball Classic. A third day in a row on his feet should provide a good base as he wades into meaningful games in next month’s tournament. His timing, however, appears to be rounding into form. The 33-year-old third baseman collected his first two hits of the spring in the Padres’ 11-10 loss to the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Thurs…
Associated Press News
Padres reliever Matsui out of WBC for Japan and uncertain for MLB opener because of groin strain
Padres reliever Yuki Matsui’s will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. His status for San Diego’s season opener in a month is also unclear because of a left groin strain.
[Peoria, Arizona, Kyodo News] Yuki Matsui, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball, who withdrew from the World Baseball Classic (WBC) due to a left leg injury, said in an interview on the 26th at his training camp in Peoria, Arizona, "I was very conflicted, but once I saw the condition of the injured area, I made an immediate decision.
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