Yu Darvish, a 39-year-old Japanese pitcher with 110 career wins in Major League Baseball, is already expressing fatigue before the season has even started. With the approach of middle age, it seems he is experiencing the aging curve.

On the 18th (Korean time), MLB.com reported that Darvish's start to the season could be delayed as he has paused his pitching program. Mike Shildt, the manager of San Diego, noted, "Darvish is feeling fatigue overall. It is currently unclear when he will resume pitching."

Darvish recorded a win and an earned run average of 4.05 in two spring training games. He pitched four innings against the Kansas City Royals on the 14th, allowing two hits, two walks, and one earned run while striking out four batters. On that day, he threw a fastball with a top speed of 95.9 mph (154.3 km) and an average of 94.2 mph (151.6 km), seemingly raising his pace in time for the season opener.

The following day, after throwing a catch, Darvish did not touch a ball for two days. Manager Shildt said, "He has felt fatigue before and is currently in the process of overcoming it. Since the season is long, we will take a little slower pace and reevaluate the schedule," adding, "He took a few days off, and it is fluid. We are evaluating him daily and will monitor what his medical responses are."

Although it is not a major injury, it cannot be taken lightly. Darvish, born in 1986 and approaching 40, is the biggest concern. He dealt with several injuries last year, including to his neck, hip, and elbow, resulting in his placement on the injured list three times. Due to family issues, he also went on the restricted list, pitching only 16 games (81⅔ innings). He made a competitive showing with a record of 7 wins, 3 losses, an earned run average of 3.31, and 78 strikeouts, but he missed significant time.

Darvish's comments last month also raised questions about his physical condition. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune on the 27th of last month, he said, "If I feel like I can no longer play baseball, I will quit." This remark indicated that he does not intend to prolong his career if his body does not cooperate. Having seven children is also one of the reasons he is considering retirement. Darvish remarked, "I have a lot of kids. I have to balance my family and baseball."

While Darvish has reached an age where retirement would not be surprising, the issue is that his contract includes four more years beyond this year. Darvish extended his contract with San Diego for six years and $108 million in February 2023, guaranteeing him through the 2028 season at age 42. He will earn a total of $67 million over the next four years starting this year. If he retires, he would have to forfeit the guaranteed salary.

For someone like Darvish, it is quite possible to forgo a large sum. Last year, he was placed on the restricted list due to family issues, but the San Diego organization offered to place him on the injured list while still paying his salary. If a player is on the restricted list, they do not receive a salary during that period. However, Darvish declined the organization's offer, feeling it would be inappropriate to receive pay without focusing on rehabilitation.

Considering Darvish's firm disposition not to be a burden, it seems unlikely he will force himself to continue his career if his physical condition does not support it. Even if it is not this year, the possibility grows that he may not complete the remaining four years of his contract before retiring.

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