Yuki Matsui Withdraws From WBC, Padres Opening Day Status Uncertain

This update centers on Padres reliever Yuki Matsui. He won’t pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic due to a left groin strain.

We’ll take a look at his rehab, what this means for San Diego, and Matsui’s impressive career in both MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball. There’s also the ripple effect for Japan’s WBC roster and the Padres’ bullpen as the 2026 season creeps closer.

Injury update and rehab status

Matsui had to step away from the World Baseball Classic after tweaking his left groin during a batting practice session last week. Right now, he’s working through a throwing program—just tossing on flat ground while he slowly builds up intensity and distance.

There’s no timeline yet for when he’ll get back on the mound. That uncertainty puts his availability for San Diego’s opener on March 26 against Detroit in question.

Matsui talked about the setback, saying he’s focused on slow, steady progress. “I am disappointed to miss the tournament, but I hope to catch Japan’s Tokyo games later and cheer them on,” he said. He’s clearly thinking about both his team and his country, but knows health comes first.

Impact on Padres and Japan’s WBC plans

This injury takes a key lefty out of the Padres’ bullpen right as spring training starts. The team has to shuffle its late-inning plans until Matsui’s back to full strength.

Japan moved quickly, plugging Yumeto Kanemaru of the Chunichi Dragons into Matsui’s spot on the WBC roster. That keeps their bullpen stocked for the tournament.

Replacement on Japan’s roster: Yumeto Kanemaru

Kanemaru, pitching for the Chunichi Dragons, now steps into a pretty big role for Japan. With rosters set, he fills the gap left by Matsui’s exit.

He’s a veteran with a solid track record in big moments, but fans and analysts will be watching to see how his NPB success translates to the WBC. No real way to know until he’s out there.

Matsui’s career at a glance

Since signing a five-year, $28 million deal with the Padres, Matsui has delivered as a bullpen piece. He’s put up a 7-3 record and a 3.86 ERA in 125 MLB appearances over two seasons.

Before that, he built a strong reputation in Japan, dominating for years before making the jump to MLB.

From Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB

• NPB career: 2.40 ERA, 236 saves, 1.11 WHIP across 10 seasons
• Debut and dominance: Debuted in Japan at 18 and became the youngest pitcher there to reach 200 saves
• All-Star status: Five-time All-Star, with Pacific League saves titles in 2019, 2022 and 2023
• MLB transition: Positive impact in San Diego’s bullpen since joining on a major free-agent deal

Looking ahead: what fans should watch

All eyes are on Matsui’s rehab timeline as spring training moves forward. If he gets through the throwing program and returns to mound work without any major hiccups, the Padres might still count on his left-handed versatility once the season starts.

The team’s also keeping an eye on Kanemaru’s integration with Japan. His presence could shake up bullpen depth during the WBC, and that might even change how the Padres use their bullpen early in the 2026 season.

Matsui’s health is the big question mark here. The Padres’ bullpen depth will face some real tests as spring unfolds.

For fans, it’s all about watching Matsui’s pace of recovery and keeping tabs on any updates about when he’ll start throwing again. People will also want to see how the Padres handle the early-season schedule without one of their trusted lefties.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yuki Matsui out of WBC for Japan, uncertain for Padres opener