Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish was scratched Saturday from his next start because of tightness in his neck and shoulder, and was placed on the disabled list Monday. It is uncertain when he’ll return to the mound.
Continue for updates.
Shoulder Issue Forces Darvish Back to DL
Monday, June 13
Darvish is suffering from “shoulder discomfort,” according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers recalled Alex Claudio from Triple-A to take his spot on the 25-man roster.
Darvish Struggling to Stay Healthy
Darvish missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The Rangers took things slowly with his return in 2016, as he didn’t face live hitters until April 13 and didn’t make his first start until May 28 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Darvish is a difference-maker when healthy, as the 29-year-old had a 3.27 ERA and 680 strikeouts in 545.1 innings from 2012-14.
Even a limited Darvish, who could be used as a weapon out of the bullpen later in the year to keep his innings count low, would make Texas exponentially more dangerous. The Seattle Mariners got off to a strong start this season, but the Rangers led the American League West by five games entering Monday.
Texas’ starting rotation has depth with Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, Colby Lewis and Derek Holland in the top four spots. Darvish is a true ace, however, and his return would allow Hamels to slot in as a strong No. 2.
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