Matsui was still pitching on flat ground Thursday, a week after cutting short a batting practice session because of his groin.
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“Right now, I just continue with the progression of the shots, recovering intensities and distances (of play),” Matsui told reporters through a translator. “Once I’m good enough, I’ll start pitching off the mound. But we don’t know when yet.”
Matsui, 30, who is 7-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 125 appearances over two seasons since signing a five-year, $28 million contract with the Padres, also said he was still unsure about Opening Day. San Diego’s first game will be March 26 at home against Detroit.
Defending WBC champion Japan opens against Taiwan on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome. Matsui was replaced on the Japan roster by left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru of the Chunichi Dragons.
“I really wanted to play with them,” Matsui said. “I think the Tokyo games, because of the time differences, I don’t think I’ll be able to watch them in real time. But I think they’ll make it to the round in Miami. And I think that’s when I’ll be able to watch them live and cheer them on.”
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Before the 5-foot-8 Matsui joined the Padres, he had a career 2.40 ERA, 236 saves and a 1.11 WHIP in 10 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. He was the youngest pitcher in the Japanese major leagues to reach 200 saves. He made his Japanese Major League debut at age 18 in 2014 and became a five-time All-Star for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, leading the Pacific League in saves in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
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