Yu Darvish faced a relentless Chicago Cubs offense, resulting in the shortest start of his 13-year career. The San Diego Padres pulled him from the mound in the second inning after he loaded the bases with no outs, marking a rare and surprising early exit for the veteran pitcher.
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Chicago Cubs make quick work of San Diego Padres’ Yu Darvish in shortest start of his 13-year career
Photo by Chicago Tribune
Key Takeaways:
- Yu Darvish endured the shortest start of his 13-year career.
- He was pulled in the second inning, with the bases loaded and no outs.
- The Chicago Cubs’ offense proved aggressive and effective early in the game.
- The Padres had to adjust their pitching plan quickly.
- The event took place on Thursday and was published on October 3, 2025.
A Surprising Early Exit
Yu Darvish took the mound Thursday against the Chicago Cubs in what turned out to be the shortest outing of his 13-year career. The Padres pulled him during a tense second inning after he allowed the bases to load with no outs. This abrupt move underscored both the Cubs’ offensive pressure and Darvish’s struggles to find his rhythm on the mound.
Darvish’s 13-Year Track Record
For over a decade, Darvish built a reputation as a reliable starter, known for an array of pitches and strong command. The swift departure against the Cubs, however, highlighted one of his most challenging performances. Unable to effectively counter the Cubs’ predominant strategy, he found himself in trouble far earlier than expected.
Cubs Capitalize
The Chicago Cubs’ lineup showed no mercy in the early innings, seizing any opportunity to get on base. Their approach paid off when Darvish found himself with a loaded basepath and no outs. This crucial situation prompted the Padres’ decision to pull their star pitcher, rather than risk a big inning.
The Padres’ Response
Once Darvish left, the Padres had to quickly pivot and rely on bullpen arms. Though such a shift can reshape the momentum of a game, the team hoped their relievers could steady the ship. For San Diego, the abrupt change emphasized both the intensity of postseason-level matchups and the importance of adjusting on the fly.
In the end, Thursday’s game told the story of a veteran pitcher who momentarily lost his edge, and a Cubs team keen on exploiting that moment. While Darvish’s shortest start stands out in his long career, it remains a clear reminder that in baseball, momentum can shift with just a few at-bats.
