Yu Darvish 204 Combined Wins In Japan MLB Career Victory For The Most All Time History

Yu Darvish Sets Record With 204 Combined Wins in Japan and MLB

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SAN DIEGO – Yu Darvish made history on Wednesday night, recording his 204th career victory across Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). With this milestone, Darvish surpassed Hiroki Kuroda to become the all-time leader in combined wins between the two leagues.

Padres Sweep Mets, Make Statement Before MLB Trade Deadline

The San Diego Padres capped off a commanding three-game sweep of the New York Mets with a 5-0 shutout at Petco Park, a game highlighted by Darvish’s vintage performance. Over seven scoreless innings, he allowed just two hits and struck out seven, earning a standing ovation as he left the mound.

“When you talk about legends like Hideo Nomo and Hiroki Kuroda, it means a lot just to be mentioned alongside them,” Darvish said through interpreter Shingo Horie.

Darvish’s Return Changes the Trade Deadline Equation

Darvish had struggled recently, particularly after returning from a lengthy stint on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation. Just last week, he was hit hard in St. Louis, raising questions about his ability to contribute down the stretch. But on Wednesday, he silenced those doubts.

“He’s been a pillar of this organization for a long time,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “He made history today — and when he’s on like this, it’s pure gold for us.”

His dominant outing could impact how the Padres approach the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline. Instead of adding a starter, they might now feel more comfortable trading Dylan Cease to bolster other areas of need.

Padres’ Rotation & Bullpen: A Surprising Strength

Despite rotation challenges, the Padres’ bullpen has been the best in baseball through the first four months of the season. The back end of the rotation, though patchwork, has performed admirably. Still, they haven’t been eating up enough innings, leading to an overworked bullpen.

That’s where Darvish’s deep outings become critical. His seven-inning gem could ease pressure on the relievers and stabilize the pitching staff moving forward.

Manny Machado, Gavin Sheets Spark the Offense

Manny Machado stayed red-hot in July with a two-run single in the second inning. Meanwhile, Gavin Sheets ended a prolonged slump by crushing a two-run homer in the third. That was more than enough support for Darvish, who exited to chants of “Yuuuuu” from the home crowd.

After the game, Darvish credited a key mechanical adjustment — lowering his arm slot — as a turning point. The Padres also pushed his start back by one day to give him extra rest, a strategy they plan to continue using during their August schedule.

“That’s as good as I’ve ever seen him,” Sheets said. “He had every pitch working, in every count. That’s what makes him Yu Darvish.”

All Eyes on Padres’ Deadline Moves

Although general manager A.J. Preller had yet to make a move as of late Wednesday, expectations are high that the Padres will be buyers at the deadline. They’ve now won five straight games and are climbing both the NL West standings and the Wild Card race.

“In A.J. I trust,” Shildt said. “I love the team we have, and I know he’s going to do whatever it takes to make us better. I’m fully confident.”

Tatis Jr. Taking It Easy on Deadline Day

While many players will anxiously monitor trade news, Fernando Tatis Jr. said he won’t be one of them.

“I’m going to be sleeping,” Tatis said with a laugh. “I’ll leave that to A.J.”