When Will Yu Darvish Return and Be Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

The San Diego Padres bolstered their rotation in the offseason with a trade to acquire White Sox ace Dylan Cease to add to a rotation that already featured high-end right-handers Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish. Unfortunately, the club's rotation took a couple of big blows on June 1 when the Friars placed both Musgrove and Darvish on the 15-day injured list, decimating the club's starting rotation in the process.

When it comes to Darvish, the 37-year-old is dealing with a left groin strain. Not unfamiliar with the injury bug, the veteran last appeared on May 29 when he lasted just three innings while allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk as part of a losing effort against the Marlins.

Let's check in on Darvish's injury status and what fantasy managers can expect from the seasoned vet upon his return to action.

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Yu Darvish Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

According to Padres skipper Mike Shildt, Darvish threw a bullpen session while also working on pickoff moves on Tuesday, a welcomed sign for both the ball club and fantasy managers alike.

Shildt didn't confirm whether or not the righty would require a rehab assignment but did note that the further he gets away from big league game action, the likelier it is he will either need a minor league rehab assignment or he could potentially get stretched out at the club's spring training complex in Arizona. A return prior to July doesn't appear to be out of the question.

Mike Shildt provides the latest update on Yu Darvish, who threw a bullpen and worked on pickoff moves earlier today: pic.twitter.com/9oJdLkhavx

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 11, 2024

Yu Darvish Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Prior to hitting the shelf, Darvish was enjoying a nice season that included a 3.20 ERA across 11 starts and 56 1/3 innings of work. At the same time, his 3.77 SIERA suggests some regression was likely to be had. Perhaps said regression already kicked in as Darvish surrendered nine earned runs over his final two starts and 8 2/3 innings of work before hitting the IL. He had dominated to the tune of four consecutive scoreless outings spanning 24 innings of work before running into trouble of late.

Fantasy managers should also note that while his control remains steady, Darvish's 23.1% K% is miles below his career 28.7% clip and his .253 BABIP is well below his .284 career mark. His Statcast data is a mixed bag but it does suggest he has been hit rather hard.

Darvish should continue to be a solid fantasy asset but the diminished strikeout rate puts a damper on his overall value.

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