PEORIA, Ariz. — Padres relief pitcher Yuki Matsui’s availability for the upcoming World Baseball Classic is questionable after he reported tightness in his groin on Thursday. The injury raises concerns over his readiness for the international tournament that begins March 6, as the team evaluates his recovery and potential to play.
Padres manager Craig Stammen explained that Matsui’s status depends on his response to rest and further assessment over the coming days.
“We’ve got to see how he comes out of this day off and then how he feels tomorrow and then what his schedule looks like going forward,”
Stammen said.
“Obviously, I think it puts the WBC in question.”
The Decision on Matsui’s Participation Lies with Him
Although the team is monitoring Matsui closely, the final call on whether he will compete in the World Baseball Classic will be made by Matsui himself in consultation with Team Japan’s coaches and general manager. Stammen acknowledged the difficulty in his returning to full health in time for the event.
“He has got to make that decision,”
the manager said.
“He has got to be able to talk with the coaches and the (general manager of Team Japan) and see if that’s still an option for him. It’s going to be a tough road for him to get healthy enough to be ready to pitch in the WBC. But I’ll let him address that. … We’ve had internal conversations about it. Ultimately, it’s up to him. We can’t call Team Japan and say, ‘Hey, Yuki is not pitching.’ Yuki has to make that decision, and I think he’ll come to a pretty good decision on that.”
Injury Impact on Matsui’s Schedule and Practice
Matsui’s live batting practice was cut short on Thursday after throwing about 20 pitches, though he showed signs of moving comfortably with minimal restrictions on Friday morning. Stammen noted the possibility that Matsui could resume throwing by Saturday. However, Matsui has been removed from the Padres’ planned pitching rotation for Sunday’s game against the Dodgers, a scheduled appearance that would have been his last before departing for Japan the following weekend.
Jason Adam’s Gradual Recovery Post-Quad Injury
Meanwhile, fellow Padres pitcher Jason Adam is progressing through his recovery from a September quad rupture, though cautiously. Initially limited to fielding ground balls without movement, Adam has recently begun incorporating change-of-direction drills. On Thursday, physical therapist Scott Hacker and strength coach Jay Young added mild reactive running exercises to simulate game conditions. This stage of agility training is expected to continue for several weeks before Adam can increase activity with full fielding sessions, backfield games, and eventual Cactus League competition.
Adam remains optimistic about being ready for the regular season, stating, “I think they’re on board.” He added,
“They haven’t told me ‘no’ yet.”
Having thrown bullpen sessions since early December, Adam feels his pitching has improved compared to the same period last year.
“Pitching-wise, we’re … on pace, beyond on pace,”
he shared.
“It’s just a matter of being cleared. So once that happens, it’s, ‘Let’s roll.’”
Advanced Throwing Milestone for Jason Adam
Adam’s first live batting practice session of the year was encouraging, as he faced three batters, striking out two while allowing no significant contact. “Stuff was moving right,” he said.
“Felt like I commanded the ball pretty decent. And no pain. So it went (well) all around. … I was more excited than I anticipated, because it is just a live BP. But it’s a big checkpoint.”
The reliever, who has maintained a 1.66 ERA over 92 innings—leading all qualifying relievers since his Padres debut on July 31, 2024—will wear a small brace on his left leg during pitching this season. “Nothing too cumbersome,” Adam explained.
“Just something to give everyone a little peace of mind, I think. And me. I feel confident with or without, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra support.”
Spring Lineup Debuts and Player Updates
Padres manager Craig Stammen revealed the first spring training lineup featuring a mix of established players, projected regulars, and hopeful candidates for the opening day roster. Despite this, Sung-Mun Song, a key acquisition, did not participate in his Cactus League debut on Friday due to an oblique injury sustained during batting practice in January.
Song’s recovery has progressed well, as evidenced by his first live batting practice session on Thursday. The 29-year-old from Korea, who signed a four-year, $15 million contract in December, expressed readiness to return to game action.
“I’m fully recovered with my injuries,”
Song said through interpreter Sam Jeong.
“… My body feels great, so I’m just waiting for a green light to play in a game.”
With shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Manny Machado expected to leave for the World Baseball Classic on Sunday, Song is anticipated to receive significant playing time. While primarily a third baseman in the KBO, the Padres intend to utilize him across shortstop, second base, and left field during the season.
Catchers Adapting to New Pitching Challenges This Spring
Freddy Fermin caught knuckleball pitcher Matt Waldron’s bullpen session on Thursday, experiencing the unique demands of handling the unpredictable pitch. “It’s really nice,” Fermin commented about Waldron’s signature pitch.
“It’s moving. You have to try to catch, not frame that pitch. Just catch. It’s hard to catch that thing. … It was fun. It was crazy.”
Although Luis Campusano has previously caught Waldron using a specialized knuckleball glove, Fermin used a standard catcher’s mitt. Stammen stated that both catchers would receive repetitions with Waldron during spring training to determine who will serve as his primary catcher if Waldron makes the major league roster.
Implications for Padres and World Baseball Classic Prospects
Yuki Matsui’s groin injury introduces uncertainty for Team Japan’s bullpen plans ahead of the World Baseball Classic, potentially affecting the Padres’ pitching depth as well. Matsui’s situation highlights the challenge athletes face when recovering from injury in time for major international competition. Simultaneously, Jason Adam’s steady rehabilitation offers hope of bolstering the Padres’ roster with a reliable reliever returning to form.
The progress of players like Sung-Mun Song also underscores the Padres’ strategy of blending key new acquisitions into the lineup, especially while established stars prepare for international duty. These developments shape the team’s outlook for both spring training and the regular season, emphasizing cautious optimism as players navigate health and readiness.
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