The San Diego Padres have to make a decision on relief pitcher Yuki Matsui as he works his way back from a left groin strain . Matsui's start to the 2026 season was delayed due to the injury, but he is now ready to return.

Matsui has been on a rehab assignment over the last few weeks, and his time is now ready to expire. The veteran left-hander can't remain on the rehab assignment past May 3, and his contract with San Diego says that he can't be sent to the minor leagues without his agreement to it.

So, the Padres will need to make some sort of move with Matsui, whatever that looks like for the team. Matsui will almost certainly not agree to be sent to the minor leagues, forcing the Padres to either bring him back to the big league roster or release him outright.

In all likelihood, Matsui will come back to the Padres and join a bullpen that is already very strong.…