San Diego Padres left-hander Yuki Matsui has withdrawn from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Samurai Japan announced Wednesday. The 30-year-old had been projected as one of Japan’s primary late-inning options and a key piece of the bullpen heading into the tournament.
The decision comes after Matsui sustained a left groin injury in camp, news that had cast doubt on his availability over the past week. Manager Hirokazu Ibata previously said Matsui was doing everything he could to be ready, but ultimately, the injury prevented him from joining the team. In his place, the Samurai will turn to Chunichi Dragons left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru.
Kanemaru, who turned 23 earlier this month, made his Nippon Professional Baseball debut last season amid significant hype as one of the most highly touted pitching prospects in recent Japanese history. A former ace at Kansai University, he cemented his reputation in 2023 as one of the nation’s most dominant amateur arms.
His rapid rise even earned him a call-up to the senior national team in March 2024 for an exhibition series against the All-Europe All-Stars. On that stage, Kanemaru tossed two hitless innings, playing a role in a combined perfect game and further validating the buzz surrounding his ascent.
The Kobe native was one of the most hotly contested players in the 2024 NPB Draft, with multiple clubs vying for his negotiation rights before the Chunichi Dragons won the lottery. He made his first NPB start on May 5, delivering six innings of two-run ball with eight strikeouts.
Kanemaru went on to post a strong rookie season, finishing with a 2.61 ERA (108 ERA+), 19.7% strikeout rate, and 4.8% walk rate over 96 ⅔ innings. Across 15 starts, he completed at least five innings every time out, while sitting over 92 mph on his fastball.
Expectations are high for an even stronger sophomore campaign, but Kanemaru’s role in the World Baseball Classic will likely look much different as he is expected to slot in as a one- or two-inning relief option.
With Matsui’s absence, Ibata is now left with just three true relievers in Taisei, Yuki Matsumoto, and Shoma Fujihira, thinning the bullpen considerably. That shortage will likely require arms like Kanemaru, Chihiro Sumida, Atsuki Taneichi, and Koki Kitayama to step into unfamiliar roles as Japan prepares its pitching plans ahead of Pool C play against Chinese Taipei, Korea, Australia, and Czechia.
Photo: San Diego Padres pitcher Yuki Matsui throws during spring training baseball practice Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
