Padres Reliever Yuki Matsui's WBC Status with Japan Is in Question Due to Groin Issue
Matsui's left groin tightness may disrupt his preparation for Japan's World Baseball Classic opener against Taiwan, with recovery expected within days, Padres say.
- A batting-practice session in Peoria ended early for Yuki Matsui due to left groin tightness, reported by the AP on Feb 20, 2026.
- Matsui is considered day to day and not expected to have a long-term issue from Thursday's session, but team medical staff warned it could affect his buildup for the WBC opener against Taiwan.
- San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui has a 3.86 ERA over 125 appearances and would leave defending World Baseball Classic champion Japan without a reliable bullpen option.
- Padres manager Craig Stammen said Friday staff will 'see how he comes out of this day off, and then how he feels tomorrow' as they assess availability.
- With the tournament looming, the timing increases urgency as Japan would lose bullpen depth without Matsui, affecting roster decisions and the tournament buildup timeline.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen
Padres LHP Yuki Matsui (groin) ailing, could affect WBC availability
Padres left-hander Yuki Matsui experienced tightness in his left groin during a batting practice session on Thursday and is considered day to day, San Diego manager Craig Stammen said Friday.
Associated Press News
Padres reliever Yuki Matsui's WBC status with Japan is in question due to groin issue
San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui’s status for Japan in the World Baseball Classic could be in doubt after the left-hander ended a batting practice session early due to left groin tightness.
Samurai Japan reliever Matsui has groin injury, could miss Classic
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Yuki Matsui’s status for Team Japan at next month’s World Baseball Classic is in doubt after the lefty reliever sustained a groin injury during a live batting practice session at Padres camp on Thursday. Matsui ended that session early and is dealing with a bout of what
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Padres reliever Yuki Matsui sustains groin injury, casting doubt on WBC availability
San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui has sustained a left groin injury that could affect his availability for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The left-hander ended a recent batting practice session earlier than scheduled after experiencing tightness in his left groin, prompting immediate concern from team personnel and raising uncertainty about his short-term […] The post Padres reliever Yuki Matsui sustains groin injury, casting …
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