Yuki Matsui sidelined with groin injury, availability for MLB Opening Day uncertain.

The San Diego Padres' bullpen faces another injury concern, with left-hander Yuki Matsui confirmed to miss the World Baseball Classic for Japan due to a left groin strain. With the new season opener just a month away, his availability for the Padres' first game is still in question.

Yuki Matsui exited a live batting practice session early last week during spring training and is currently engaged in catch play, progressively ramping up intensity and distance. Through an interpreter, he stated he will only return to bullpen mound work once his condition stabilizes, but a specific timeline remains undetermined. The Padres open their season at home against the Detroit Tigers on March 26 local time, and Matsui admitted he cannot guarantee he will be ready to pitch by then.

Defending champion Japan will face Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome on March 6 in the World Baseball Classic. Following Matsui's withdrawal, left-handed pitcher Yuto Kanemaru of the Chunichi Dragons has been named as his replacement. Matsui expressed his initial excitement about playing for the national team and, though the time difference may prevent him from watching the Tokyo games live, he believes Japan will advance to the Miami rounds and will be cheering wholeheartedly for his teammates.

Standing just 173 cm tall, Yuki Matsui joined the Padres after an outstanding career in Japan's NPB. Over 10 seasons, he accumulated 236 saves with a 2.40 ERA, becoming the youngest pitcher to reach 200 saves. He was a five-time All-Star and a three-time Pacific League saves leader. After signing a five-year, $28 million contract with the Padres in 2024, he has appeared in 125 games over two seasons, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.86 ERA, establishing himself as a key part of the bullpen.