Where Have You Gone, Yu Darvish? - Asian Baseballers

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Friday, August 2, 2024

Where Have You Gone, Yu Darvish?

 

Yu Darvish throwing a pitch  


 

Yu Darvish, a prolific Japanese baseball player, has been missing from the Padres for almost a month. He is currently on the restricted list because of a family matter. That family matter has been kept private. Yu Darvish is 4-3 on the year, with an ERA of 3.20, and has struck out 53 hitters. 

 

The San Diego Padres are hoping that he will be back this year. Because of the uncertainty about whether he is coming back, the organization traded for a pitcher named Martin Perez, an experienced starter with an ERA of 5.20 in 2024. He is 33 years old. Perez fills the void left in Darvish's absence. The best-case scenario is that Perez gives the Padres innings while at the same time, keeping them in the game. He will not be a dominating force like Darvish, but he can provide that toughness to keep them in the hunt for the NL West title.


 

The Padres are in a position to grab at least a wild card spot, and after sweeping the Dodgers, they have a chance to claim the top spot in the NL West, which would assure them of a place in the playoffs. They exposed the Dodgers' lack of bullpen strength, as in two of the games, they managed to come back to win. This was also pivotal to the Padres' confidence and chances to win the division. They have done this in the absence of Darvish, but that could only take them as far as it could take them. They are going to need Darvish regardless of competing in the playoffs. He is their best pitcher. 

 

There has been speculation that someone in Darvish's family is gravely ill and he is there to take care of that person. Let's keep in mind that this is only speculation and it is not confirmed nor denied. If that is the reason, then it is very commendable of the team to allow him to take some time off. Whatever Yu Darvish is going through, let us respect his privacy. 

 

There is no doubt that he will be missed at some level or another, a pitcher with a plethora of pitches, which is the reason why he lasted this long in the league and why he is so difficult to hit.  

 

I am hoping that Yu Darvish does make his return this year. But, if he does come back, my only concern is whether he is keeping himself in shape somehow. Does he have a treadmill? Does he do any kind of cardio at any level? Does he lift weights? Is he eating healthy food? At what level is he still keeping himself in shape? If he returns this year without any level of health regimen, he could struggle to adjust to the demanding performance expectations of the league. In other words, he could get rusty and struggle mightily. 

 

So, wherever you are, Mr. Darvish, I hope you resolve the family matter soon. And, yes, you are surely missed by this baseball fan.

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