Yuki Matsui had a challenging season with the Padres, finishing with a 3.73 ERA and not being utilized as a late-inning option, which led to the prediction of him recording at least 30 saves being deemed a bust. Despite a solid strikeout rate of 26.8%, his high walk rate of 10.8% hindered his effectiveness, and early indications during the season suggested he wouldn't meet expectations.

Yuki Matsui is one of the left-handed pitchers in the Padres' bullpen, and he has had success against Ohtani in their previous matchups, holding him to a three-for-five record. Shildt indicated that the Padres prefer to use lefties against Ohtani, citing his lower batting average and OPS against left-handed pitchers compared to right-handers. Matsui's presence adds to the Padres' strategy of leveraging their left-handed depth to challenge Ohtani in the postseason.

Yuki Matsui, a left-handed reliever for the Padres, faced McCray in a crucial moment during the game, allowing a 425-foot home run that effectively sealed the Giants' victory. This highlighted McCray's emerging power and ability to capitalize on key situations against pitchers, adding to his impressive performance in the major leagues.

Yuki Matsui, a lefty reliever for the Padres, was on the mound when Grant McCray hit his second home run of the game. This homer marked McCray's fifth of the season and contributed to the Giants' offensive surge. Matsui's presence in the game exemplifies the challenges the Padres faced from San Francisco's lineup, particularly from a rookie capable of making significant impacts.

Yuki Matsui gave up a homer to Grant McCray in the eighth inning, allowing McCray to increase his RBI total as the Giants secured their 6-3 victory.