Padres Manager Provides Update on Injured Reliever

Padres will be cautious with their southpaw reliever.

On Sunday, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt revealed left-handed reliever Yuki Matsui was day-to-day with a back injury. On Monday, Matsui received an MRI, and his designation did not change.

The MRI showed inflammation but no structural damage in his back, per The Athletic's Dennis Lin.

Yuki Matsui underwent an MRI that showed inflammation but no structural damage in his back, Mike Shildt said. Matsui remains day-to-day, as we all do.

— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) February 26, 2024

Shildt also told reporters, including Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, that the team will be cautious with Matsui.

“We’re gonna play it by ear,” Shildt said. “He has gotten some relief with it. We don’t have a lot of history with him. He doesn’t have a ton of history with that (injury). He came into (Sunday) feeling a little better. It’ll be evaluated and, like we all are, he’ll be day-to-day.”

—Mike Shildt, via San Diego Tribune

The Padres signed Matsui to a five-year, $28 million deal in December.

Matsui was impressive in his Cactus League debut as he struck out the side in order. He should be a vital piece of the bullpen and is in the mix for closing duties for San Diego. 

The news sounds reassuring as it doesn't seem like the injury will affect him in a big way. 

This will be Matsui's first year in the big leagues after spending the last 10 years in the Nippon Professional Baseball League.