AVANDATIMES.COM – The San Diego Padres are navigating a complex pitching landscape as the 2026 Major League Baseball season nears, with several key arms working through various stages of rehabilitation. Manager Craig Stammen has provided clarity on the status of high-leverage relievers Jason Adam and Yuki Matsui, as well as rotation candidate Griffin Canning, as the club finalizes its roster for the upcoming campaign.

Jason Adam: A Veteran’s Path to Recovery

Right-hander Jason Adam, a pivotal piece of the Padres’ bullpen, is currently working his way back from a significant left-quadriceps tendon rupture sustained last September. The injury, which required surgical intervention, sidelined the 34-year-old All-Star during the team’s postseason run. Despite the severity of the previous injury, the coaching staff has not officially sidelined him for the season opener.

“I’m not gonna rule it out. We’ll decide what’s best,” Stammen said regarding Adam’s availability. “He’s a veteran pitcher so we trust how he’s feeling and try to make the best decision for him.” While Adam has been throwing without complications for three months, the Padres are exercising caution regarding his agility and defensive responsibilities on the mound.

Yuki Matsui and the Injured List

The outlook for Yuki Matsui appears more definitive, with the left-hander likely to begin the season on the injured list. Matsui is recovering from a left groin strain suffered during live batting practice earlier this spring, an ailment that also forced his withdrawal from the World Baseball Classic. AvandaTimes observed that the Padres are prioritizing a full recovery for the reliever to ensure he remains a consistent force in what was one of the league’s most dominant bullpens last year.

Stammen noted that Matsui is progressing well, though his return to game action is still pending. “Yuki’s doing really well, feeling good,” Stammen said. “Hopefully by the end of spring training [we’ll] get him in a game.”

Griffin Canning’s Extended Timeline

In the starting rotation, Griffin Canning is also facing a delayed start to his tenure in San Diego. Recovering from an Achilles injury suffered in 2025, the former New York Mets starter is not expected to join the active roster until approximately May. This delay complicates the Padres’ search for a fifth starter, especially as the team monitors Joe Musgrove’s workload.

Canning has begun throwing simulated games, but the transition to full game intensity remains the final hurdle. “I don’t know if he’ll make it [in a game] before Cactus League ends. But he’s trending in that direction, starting to throw simulated games. It’s just whether he’s comfortable enough to be able to move off the mound. That’ll be the thing. We just got to be careful with that. He’s beating the timeline right now. He’s at a point where we just don’t want to risk it,” Stammen said.

Jason Adam: Quad recovery; status uncertain for Opening Day.Yuki Matsui: Groin strain; likely to start on the IL.Griffin Canning: Achilles recovery; expected return in May.