The San Diego Padres received encouraging updates on two of their star players, Yu Darvish and Fernando Tatis Jr. Darvish rejoined the team after a stint on the restricted list due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Tatis Jr. is making steady progress in his recovery from a quad injury that placed him on the 60-day injured list in late June.
According to award-winning journalist Annie Heilbrunn from the San Diego Union-Times, Tatis has begun sprinting and is expected to face live pitching soon, with a potential return in September.
Padres manager Mike Shildt mentioned via ESPN News Services that Tatis may be ready for batting practice shortly. “He did some sprint work today, which is great — around 70%,” Shildt told reporters. “This is a clear sign of progress. We’ve met and set a more flexible timeline, though we won’t be sharing specifics yet. But it’s definitely good news that he’s on track to return to play.”
Darvish has been sidelined since early July due to a personal issue involving his family. The 38-year-old right-hander has made 11 appearances this season, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts over 56.1 innings.
The return of Darvish and Tatis Jr. could significantly bolster the Padres. Right fielder Tatis Jr., who has played in 80 games this season, has yet to meet the high expectations set for him, though his .279/.354/.468 slash line remains solid. A few minor-league rehab games might help him regain his form in time for the Wild Card race.
The Padres are also benefitting from Dylan Cease, who pitched a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals on July 25. His performance has been crucial for San Diego’s four-man rotation. Darvish’s return will add depth to the pitching staff, easing the load on Joe Musgrove and Martin Perez.
However, the team faces challenges, including the loss of shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who is on the 10-day IL with a shoulder injury.
Kim acknowledged through his translator, via 97.3 The Fan, that while he initially thought he could return within five days, the decision to extend his recovery was made in light of the Padres’ postseason aspirations.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks performing strongly, the Padres will face stiff competition in the National League West during the postseason.
