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**Darvish Returns to Padres Rotation, Set to Start Monday Against Diamondbacks**

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Padres are getting a much-needed boost to their pitching rotation as Yu Darvish is set to make his season debut on Monday night against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Manager Mike Shildt announced the veteran right-hander’s return on Sunday.

Darvish, 38, has been sidelined with right elbow inflammation since the start of the season. While a stalwart in the Padres’ rotation when healthy, he has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons.

However, expectations for Darvish’s initial outing are tempered. After a setback in May, Darvish has been working his way back, recently pitching four innings and throwing 64 pitches in a simulated game. Shildt anticipates Darvish will be on a pitch count, likely around 75 pitches and four to five innings.

The Padres are planning to manage Darvish carefully, with the upcoming All-Star break providing an opportunity for rest and further acclimation. He is expected to make two starts before the break.

Darvish’s return is crucial for a Padres rotation that has been stretched thin due to injuries, including Michael King’s shoulder injury. Dylan Cease, Nick Pivetta, and Randy Vásquez have been the mainstays, with a rotating cast of pitchers filling the remaining spots. The team has been relying on a rotation of Stephen Kolek, Ryan Bergert, Matt Waldron and Kyle Hart to cover the final two spots. Hart was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday.

The team hopes Darvish’s presence will stabilize the rotation.

The rainout in Philadelphia impacted the Padres’ pitching plan and Pivetta and Cease started both games of Wednesday’s doubleheader. Vásquez is scheduled for Thursday. Ryan Bergert is expected to return from the IL and make a start next weekend,

Meanwhile, Stephen Kolek has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso to manage his workload. King continues his recovery process, with a potential return later in the season.

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