Yuki Matsui (groin) out for Japan in World Baseball Classic

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Japanese left-hander Yuki Matsui has been officially ruled out for next month’s World Baseball Classic, as he recovers from a left groin strain that he sustained during a live batting practice session at Padres camp.

Matsui has resumed playing catch, but he’s yet to throw off a mound, and his status for Opening Day remains in question.

Matsui figured to be one of the most important relievers for Samurai Japan, which is looking to defend its World Baseball Classic title from 2023. He will be replaced on the roster by fellow left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru, who pitches for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan.

“It’s pretty disappointing,” Matsui said through team interpreter Ike Ogata. “Especially since I didn’t do so well in the last WBC, and I was looking forward to playing in this one. But that’s not the only thing. It’s baseball. I’m trying to move on, to get the best preparation for the season and to play for the Padres.”

In two seasons since his arrival in San Diego, Matsui has posted a 3.86 ERA across 125 appearances. He’s become a valuable left-hander for the middle innings. In one of the sport’s most vaunted bullpens, a healthy Matsui would have been a lock for the Opening Day roster, though that’s suddenly in doubt.

“Right now, I’m just continuing the throwing progression, getting intensities and distances of [playing] catch back up,” Matsui said. “Once it’s good enough, then I’ll start throwing off the mound. But as to when, we don’t know yet. … We’re not sure yet [about Opening Day].”

Japan’s World Baseball Classic opener is set for March 6 against Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome, with the group stage to be played in Japan before the winners advance to the United States for the knockout rounds. Matsui will remain in Padres camp -- making it difficult for him to watch some of those games at odd hours of the night.

“I was looking forward to playing with them,” Matsui said. “I think the Tokyo games, because of the time differences, I don’t think I can watch in real time. But I believe they’re going to make it to the round in Miami. And I think that’s when I’ll be able to watch live -- and cheer for them.”