Padres News: MLB Network Insider Examines Ideal Spot for Yuki Matsui in Bullpen

Yuki Matsui could be used differently than used to next season.

It's been just over two weeks since the San Diego Padres signed Japanese relief pitcher Yuki Matsui to a five-year deal worth $28 million. Since then, there has been the question of how will he be utilized in the San Diego bullpen.

According to Steve Phillips of MLB Network, he believes that the Padres could use Matsui more in a setup role due to the possibility of the Padres wanting to use relief pitcher Robert Suarez as the team's closer next season.

What's the best role for Yuki Matsui in the Padres bullpen?@StevePhillipsGM | #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/rTUYKpaU0f

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 3, 2024

Suarez is a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been on the Padres' big league roster for the last two years. 

According to Baseball Savant, Suarez has a fastball that reaches 94 MPH whereas Matsui's reaches approximately 91 to 93 MPH.

Suarez also has a deep personnel of pitches, including a changeup, sinker, slider, and cutter.

Although Suarez could be the closer for the Padres' bullpen come Opening Day, he has never worked as a closer in MLB, partially because the Padres had Josh Hader on the roster while Suarez was there.

During his time in Japan playing for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, Matsui was a five-time NPB All-Star and was also the Pacific League saves leader in 2019, 2022, and 2023.

In his last season pitching in Japan, Matsui was lights-out on the mound, pitching with a 1.57 ERA and racking up 39 saves in 57.1 innings pitched.

If the Padres were to go with Suarez as their Opening Day closer this coming season, I would have to imagine that he would be considered to be on a short leash as Matsui will be waiting in the arms of the Padres and will likely find himself as the closer of the future for San Diego.