Padres Pitcher Gets Honest About Wanting to Beat Dodgers

Darvish probably won't get a warm reception at Chavez Ravine.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the Dodgers' offseason. 

The latest figure in this context involves former Dodgers pitcher/current San Diego Padres hurler Yu Darvish. 

Darvish, a native of Japan, was naturally asked about Los Angeles's signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Like the Dodgers, San Diego is currently prepping in Arizona ahead of next month's two-game series versus Los Angeles in Seoul, South Korea. 

At Spring Training, Darvish offered these thoughts on the Dodgers.

"Things are getting even more exciting with the Dodgers' signing of Ohtani and (Yoshinobu) Yamamoto. We want to outperform them as much as possible."

Per Yu Darvish via Kyodo News

Darvish then opened up on the man they call the modern-day Babe Ruth:

"I've never faced hitter Ohtani, but I will (this year). There will be fewer holes in their lineup. I look forward to pitching against the Dodgers."



Per Yu Darvish via Kyodo News

If you're looking for something to get bent out of shape about, one could surmise that Darvish is throwing a light jab at the team he once performed for. However, in all actuality, what is he supposed to say? 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto told @kirsten_watson that he spoke to Yu Darvish before being posted.

Darvish told him to "make sure you pick somewhere that you truly feels wants you."

Yamamoto said every team gave off that passion, but in the end, the Dodgers were the "right place to be."

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 27, 2023

Darvish has been one of the most fierce competitors in the sport for quite some time. A consummate professional in every sense of the term, Darvish will not shy away from the competition -- even if it is against the rival Dodgers.

There's also some considerable crossover when looking at Darvish, Yamamoto and Ohtani. Of course, all three hail from Japan. There is surely familiarity with all of them, especially since Darvish has pitched in the big leagues for quite some time. 

As one remembers, Darvish was acquired by the Dodgers for the stretch run toward the 2017 World Series. After two rough starts versus the Astros, Darvish was not brought back. 

Those who bleed Dodger Blue haven't forgotten about those moments. 

Surely, neither has Darvish.