After the extra-long injury list that the Texas Rangers posted throughout the entire 2014 season, the last thing they need is to see their ace go down during Spring Training. That happened Thursday afternoon as right-hander Yu Darvish had to exit the Rangers' Cactus League game after just one inning.
MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports that Darvish left with tightness in his right biceps. The Rangers' ace first felt the problem while warming up before the game in preparation to face the Kansas City Royals. He still started and pitched one inning before leaving. He allowed one hit and struck out one, Kansas City's Kendrys Morales.
Darvish will undergo further evaluation on Friday, but, to this point, the tightness does not appear serious.
Sullivan notes that Darvish threw 12 pitches, including 10 fastballs that averaged 89 mph and topped out at 92. Darvish typically throws in the mid- to upper-90's. This early in Spring Training, though, many pitchers will throw below their normal speed, but for Darvish to average 89 is cause for a little concern. Darvish, though, stated, "There is nothing to worry about" when asked later. Darvish then added,
"It didn't affect my location or the command of my pitches. I felt it warming up and didn't think too much of it. But it never loosened up."
During a special Thursday afternoon edition of Intentioanl Talk, MLB Network's Chris Rose and Kevin Millar said that since Darvish had arm problems last year, then there is more cause for concern than the Rangers may have let on soon after their ace exited.
Darvish is not only the Rangers' ace but one of the best in the league. In three years, he is 39-25 with a 3.27 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He posted a 3.02 ERA last season for the plast-place Rangers, whose offense struggled to score runs for him or any other starter. Darvish was 10-7 before ending his season on August 10 because of right elbow inflammation.