San Diego Padres reliever That of Yuki Matsui status for Japan in the World Baseball Classic could be in doubt after the left-hander ended a batting practice session prematurely due to tightness in his left groin.
Matsui is considered day-to-day with what should not be a long-term issue in Thursday’s session, but it could affect his preparation for the GBwith the opening match against Taiwan in two weeks.
“We have to see how he comes out of this day off and then how he feels tomorrow,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said Friday. “Honestly, I think this calls the WBC into question.”
Defending WBC champion Japan would take a hit in the bullpen without Matsui, a reliable middle-inning option in two seasons with the Padres. The 30-year-old has a 3.86 ERA in 125 appearances.
Stammen said Matsui could return to play wrestling this weekend.
Associated Press reporting
