PEORIA, Ariz. Padres reliever Yuki Matsuis will not pitch for Japan in the World Baseball Classic and the left-handers status for San Diegos season opener in a month also is unclear because of a left groin strain.Matsui was still throwing off flat ground Thursday, a week after cutting short a batting practice session because of the groin.Right now, Im just continuing the throwing progression, getting intensities and distances of (playing) catch back up, Matsui told reporters through a translator. Once its good enough, then Ill start throwing off the mound. But as to when, we dont know yet.The 30-year-old Matsui, who is 7-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 125 appearances in two seasons since signing a five-year, $28 million with the Padres, also said he wasnt sure yet about opening day. San Diegos opener is March 26 at home against Detroit.Defending WBC champion Japan opens against Taiwan on March 6 at the Tokyo Dome. Matsui was replaced on Japans roster by left-hander Yumeto Kanemaru of the Chunichi Dragons.I was looking forward to playing with them, Matsui said. I think the Tokyo games, because of the time differences, I dont think I can watch in real time. But I believe theyre going to make it to the round in Miami. And I think thats when Ill be able to watch live, and cheer for them.Before the 5-foot-8 Matsui joined the Padres, he had a 2.40 career ERA, 236 saves and a 1.11 WHIP over 10 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball. He was the youngest pitcher in the Japanese major leagues to reach 200 saves,. He made his Japanese big league debut at age 18 in 2014 and became a five-time All-Star for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, leading the Pacific League in saves in 2019, 2022 and 2023.