Darvish starting season on IL with elbow inflammation

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt announced Friday that right-hander Yu Darvish will begin the season on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.

Shildt didn't provide a timetable for Darvish's return.

"We feel pretty comfortable that some rest and getting ramped back up will be the answer," he said.

Darvish has made just two starts this spring due to ongoing elbow issues. He last took the mound March 13, striking out four and walking two in four innings against the Kansas City Royals.

Shildt labeled Darvish day-to-day Tuesday. He played catch that day, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Darvish posted a 3.31 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 78 strikeouts over 16 starts for the Padres in 2024. He missed time last season because of a groin injury.

The 38-year-old is entering the third season of a six-year, $108-million extension he signed with the Padres in February 2023. Darvish is set to earn $20 million this year.

Darvish's absence is another blow to a San Diego staff that will be without Joe Musgrove this season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Knuckleballer Matt Waldron is also sidelined with an oblique strain.

With Darvish out, Kyle Hart, Stephen Kolek, and Randy Vásquez are vying for the Padres' two vacant rotation spots, according to Cassavell. Each pitcher is scheduled to make one more Cactus League appearance during the final weekend of camp.