The reliever is questionable to play in the WBC due to a groin injury
The San Diego Padres will play the Seattle Mariners in a few hours spring training game of the season. The players have been in Arizona for more than a week, preparing for the start of the season.
During live batting practice on Thursday, Padres shortstop Yuki Matsui was forced to leave early after suffering a cramp in his left groin. We hope this news is just a precaution and not a serious issue. Padres manager Craig Stamen said Matsui is now questionable World Baseball Classicwhich begins on March 5.
Matsui is a reliever for Team Japan and was on the 2023 roster when they won the WBC gold medal against the United States. The 30-year-old is one of the better relievers on the Padres and has been used a lot during his two seasons with the team. He played in 60+ games with a career 3.86 ERA in 126 innings. Stammen and the Padres may prefer Matsui not play in the WBC so he can recover and be 100% for the regular season.
The San Diego fence is very good. Even after losing Roberto Suarez to the Atlanta Braves this offseason, the team still retains Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada. Matsui is a big part of that along with several others who may be forced to step up early in the season if Matsui misses time. Vandy Peralta is another southpaw who could make the opening roster. David Morgan, Ty Adcock, Brian Hoing, Alex Jacob and Bradley Rodriguez also have a chance to do so.
2026-02-20 18:15:00
