Padres Get Promising Update on Injured Reliever

The Padres southpaw will throw a bullpen session.

After suffering from back spasms earlier in the spring, the Padres could get back their offseason addition, southpaw reliever Yuki Matsui. 

Matsui is throwing a bullpen session on Tuesday, and according to manager Mike Shildt, he will have plenty of time to build up for the start of the season assuming all goes well.

Yuki Matsui, who dealt with early-spring back spasms, is throwing a bullpen today. Mike Shildt said that if all goes well, there should be plenty of time to get Matsui built up for the season.

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) March 5, 2024

Matsui developed some back spasms following his first appearance of spring. Since then, his progression has been going quite well, and we could see him throw once or twice again in spring training. 

According to San Diego Tribune's Kevin Acee, the 28-year-old is on track to participate in Wednesday's workout, barring a setback. 

He's only thrown in one game this spring and recorded three strikeouts in a perfect inning of work against the Dodgers.

Matsui was signed to a five-year, $28 million deal this past winter and is set to play a significant role in the pen. 

There's optimism he will be ready for Opening Day and be in line for a late-inning role for the Padres, potentially even closing out some games.