Padres News: Yu Darvish Set to Return as Padres Aim for Strong Finish

Yu Darvish is set to return to the mound for the San Diego Padres on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. After throwing a successful bullpen session on Monday, his comeback appears imminent.

The Padres have not officially confirmed the start date, but reports suggest that Darvish will be ready to pitch. His last appearance was on May 29, as he dealt with groin and elbow injuries, followed by a leave of absence due to personal matters.

During his time away, Darvish chose not to collect his salary, a decision that saved the Padres around $4 million. General Manager A.J. Preller maintained regular contact with him, focusing on his well-being rather than baseball.

At 38 years old, Darvish has a record of 4-3 this season, with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. His return is crucial for a Padres rotation that has been stretched thin. Alongside Joe Musgrove, another All-Star, Darvish's presence will be vital as the team looks to make a push in September.

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With just a month left in the regular season, the Padres are five games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The timing of Darvish's return, along with the expected return of Fernando Tatis Jr., could be pivotal for the team's playoff hopes.