Yu Darvish has been in Randy Vásquez’s corner since the younger pitcher reached out to the veteran in the wake of his trade from New York to San Diego. It’s a mentorship that has been noteworthy throughout Vásquez’s rise this season as the two communicate often over the phone, through text messages and even in person despite Darvish’s status on the restricted list while recovering from his elbow procedures.

For instance, Darvish was seated with Vásquez on his side of the clubhouse in the days after the 27-year-old fourth straight sub-par start.

That is hardly the extent of Darvish’s involvement.

“We’ve been looking at the video — myself, Darvish, (pitching coach Ruben) Niebla,” Vásquez said Wednesday morning through interpreter Jorge Merlos. “We’ve all been looking at the video and it’s kind of gaining the confidence back of making sure I throw those pitches and not just like think about it so much. So just about regaining that confidence in myself to be able to execute those pitches.”

Added Vásquez: “Not just like this past week, but just that since spring training we’ve been really chatting a lot and texting each other, and (Darvish) has been really supportive and helpful in my career, and he’s been able to help me out in every single start, and even through starts, we were able to talk with each other just to see how we can do better.

“So just happy that he’s been able to be a support system for me.”

Vásquez declined to speak to reporters after Sunday’s start. He’d allowed four runs on eight hits — tied for a season-high — and two walks in continuing a four-start rut in which he posted a 6.16 ERA.

The theme in those games — all losses for the Padres — was missing in the middle of the zone. Vásquez has allowed six homers in his last 19 innings after surrendering just four in 50⅓ innings as the Padres went 8-1 over his first nine starts (2.68 ERA).

In turn, Vásquez’s strikeout rate shriveled from 8.1 per nine innings to 3.7 per nine innings over his last four starts.

“I think it’s more of those middle-middle pitches that I leave hanging in middle of the plate,” Vásquez said. “But I did a little bit of a touch-and-feel here (in the bullpen) after my last start and trying to work on those things for the next start.”

That next start is slated for Saturday in Baltimore. For all of his struggles as of late — a momentary stumble if you ask him — Vásquez is still sporting a 3.63 ERA through 69⅓ innings.

“I think if you’ve taken a look at the last couple starts, you’ve seen that it’s been the location of my pitches and just execution of my pitches too,” said Vásquez, who is averaging a career-high 94.9 mph with his four-seamer. “But if you take a look at the rest of the season, there’s a lot more to go … and I still think it’s been a pretty good season so far.”