Samurai Japan reliever Matsui has groin injury, could miss Classic

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Yuki Matsui’s status for Team Japan at next month’s World Baseball Classic is in doubt after the lefty reliever sustained a groin injury during a live batting practice session at Padres camp on Thursday.

Matsui ended that session early and is dealing with a bout of what the Padres are calling “left groin tightness.” The injury isn’t expected to sideline Matsui for long -- and manager Craig Stammen called his status “day to day.” But with the World Baseball Classic fast approaching -- and Matsui not yet built up for game action -- it’s possible the reigning champions could take a hit in their bullpen.

“We’ve got to see how he comes out of this day off, and then how he feels tomorrow,” Stammen said. “Honestly, I think it puts the WBC in question.”

In two seasons with the Padres, Matsui has posted a 3.86 ERA across 125 appearances. He’s become a valuable left-handed weapon in the middle innings. Presumably, he would’ve filled an even greater role, pitching high-leverage innings for Samurai Japan.

Japan’s WBC opener is set for March 6 against Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome. Stammen noted that the decision would ultimately be left to Matsui after he consults with the Padres’ medical staff. It might be too early to know.

“He’s day to day,” Stammen said. “He threw his live BP yesterday, had a little tightness in his groin, stopped it early, was smart about that. It seems like it’s gotten better today. Possibly [he’ll be] playing catch tomorrow.”

Adam eyes Opening Day
In better news for the San Diego bullpen, right-hander Jason Adam faced hitters on a Peoria Sports Complex back field Friday afternoon, marking the first time he’d done so since undergoing surgery on his left quad last September.

Adam sure didn’t look like someone who hadn’t faced hitters in nearly six months. He retired all five batters he faced, striking out three of them. Adam threw 21 pitches, 13 for strikes, and used all of his pitch types.

“I’m really pleased,” Adam said. “Stuff was moving right. It felt like I commanded the ball pretty decent. And no pain -- so a win all around. … It’s just live BP. But it’s a big checkpoint.”

Adam was an All-Star last season, posting a 1.93 ERA across 65 appearances before he ruptured a quadriceps tendon while fielding a ground ball on Sept. 1. The Padres are moving him slowly this spring, in terms of both pitchers’ fielding practice and change-of-direction running drills. So, there are still a few boxes for Adam to check.

But his goal hasn’t changed. He’s aiming to be ready for Opening Day and says he’s hopeful to get a few appearances in Cactus League play later in camp.

“It seems like we’re on a really good pace,” Adam said.