Yu Darvish bounced back from one of the worst starts of his career with one of the best. Darvish went seven innings, allowing just two hits while walking one and striking out nine in the Rangers 5-0 shutout of Oakland on Saturday. Darvish's performance comes one day after Cole Hamels also tossed seven innings of shutout ball.
Fantasy Impact: Back to back stellar efforts by Hamels and Darvish have manager Jeff Bannister and Ranger fans breathing a sigh of relief. Admittedly, it was against the Oakland A's, but with the playoffs looming, this was good news for all concerned.
Category: Game Recaps
Yu Darvish was slated to pitch on Wednesday, but Derek Holland pitched against the Astros in his place. Manager Jeff Bannister said that Darvish had soreness, but that it was "good" soreness. The Rangers will send Darvish to the mound on Saturday against the Athletics at home. (Source: Dallas Morning News)
Fantasy Impact: Any injury with Darvish is a huge worry, as he was injured earlier this season and has already lost a season to Tommy John surgery. He is 5-4 with a 3.28 ERA this season, limiting batters to a .222 batting average while striking out 103 batters in 82 1/3 innings. Current Athletics have a .740 OPS in 92 career at-bats against Darvish and he is 5-1 with a 3.72 ERA at home this season.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish rebounded nicely from his last start with a strong 6.2 inning performance against the Angels Friday night. Darvish, who gave up five runs in just four innings against the Astros his last time out, limited the Halos to just three hits and one run while striking out nine in the Rangers 2-1 win.
Fantasy Impact: Unfortunately for Darvish owners (such as myself), the big right-hander did not figure in the final decision. But it was certainly nice to see him rebound after an awful start his last time on the bump.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish allowed seven hits and five runs over just four innings of work as the Astros salvaged the finale of their series with a 7-6 win over the Rangers. Darvish walked three and struck out four on the day.
Fantasy Impact: It took Darvish 80 pitches to get through the four innings, despite throwing 51 of them for strikes.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish had a hard time finding the strike zone, but had no problem finding the center field lawn in the Rangers' 6-5 win over the Reds on Wednesday. Darvish allowed four hits and five runs, three earned, walked five and struck out five in six innings of work. He also smacked his first career home run, a solo shot in the fifth inning.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish couldn't get out of his own way Wednesday. Of the 100 pitches he threw, only 56 were strikes.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish allowed eight hits and two earned runs over seven innings of work to lead the Texas Rangers to a 6-2 win over the A's on Wednesday. Darvish walked one and struck out nine on the night.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish made two mistakes, giving up solo home runs to Coco Crisp and Jake Smolinski. He threw 99 pitches on the night, 65 of them for strikes. With Darvish obviously getting stronger with each start, the Rangers are liking their chances at repeating as AL West champions.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish finally got something he hadn't received much of lately - some run support from his teammates. The Rangers jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead, and Darvish allowed just two earned runs over 6.2 innings in the Rangers 8-5 win over the Tigers on Friday.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish walked one and struck out five in evening his record on the season at 3-3. The Rangers had been just 3-5 in games started by Darvish this year, but it wasn't the right-handers fault as he received little or no run support in several of those outings. Tonight, it was his new battery mate, Jonathan Lucroy doing the majority of the damage with a pair of home runs and five RBI.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish allowed just five hits in seven innings of shutout baseball, but came away with no decision as the bullpen couldn't hold the lead in the Rangers 5-3, 11 inning win over the Astros on Sunday. Darvish did not walk a batter and struck out eight, but once again was left without adding a "W" to the win column.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish has pitched well since returning from the DL, but he has not personally benefited from it as he has either been let down by a lack of offensive production, or a bullpen that can't hold a lead. Fortunately for Texas, they rallied for a pair of runs in the 11th and held on for the victory.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish allowed four hits and two runs over six innings of work, but the bullpen couldn't hold a slim 3-2 lead, and the Rangers fell again to Oakland by a score of 6-4. Darvish gave up both runs in the first inning, including a home run off the bat of Khris Davis, but otherwise held the A's in check. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish threw 93 pitches on the night, 64 for strikes, and handed the ball over to the pen with a 3-2 lead. After Keone Kela tossed a scoreless seventh inning, the A's blasted Matt Bush for a pair of home runs in a four run eighth inning.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish allowed seven hits and two earned runs over six innings of work, but came up on the losing end of a 3-1 score against the defending champion Kansas City Royals. Darvish struck out 11 and walked only one, throwing 91 pitches on the night.
Fantasy Impact: When the Rangers hit, they can't pitch and when they pitch well, like Darvish did tonight, they can't hit. This is a team in a major-league slump right now. Darvish did what he was supposed to do, but the Rangers could do nothing against Royals starter Danny Duffy as they managed just five hits on the night.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish was back on the mound for the Rangers on Saturday, and the results were a mixed bag. On the good side, Darvish struck out nine in just 4.1 innings of work. On the bad side, was a lack of control as Darvish walked four and needed 90 pitches to get through the 4-plus innings. The Cubs went on to beat the Rangers 3-1.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish allowed just two runs as he fell victim to Anthony Rizzo's two-run double, but the Rangers offense continues to scuffle, as they have now scored a grand total of one run in the first two games of the Cubs series.
Category: , Game Recaps
The Texas Rangers are expected to activate Yu Darvish this Saturday in Chicago. (Source: Cbssports,com)
Fantasy Impact: This is great for the best team in the American League. Before the Rangers pitchers all hit the disabled list they had the best ERA in baseball. Getting their ace back will just make them stronger. Darvish should be activated and played immediately in all league.
Category: , Injury Updates, Transactions
Yu Darvish went five innings on Sunday in his second rehab start at Double-A Frisco and came out of it feeling good. "I felt way better than the last time I threw," Darvish said. Darvish cruised through four of the five innings, including a nine-pitch final frame. He did surrender a two-run home run in the fourth. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish hopes to return to the Rangers rotation after the All-Star break and the team desperately needs him. The Rangers rotation, at one time one of the best in the league, has suffered greatly since injuries hit Darvish, Colby Lewis and Derek Holland.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish, coming off a 30 pitch bullpen session, is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday in New York. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: The Rangers are hoping to get Darvish back prior to the All-Star break, but will not take any unnecessary risks with their star right-hander. Darvish went to the DL after just his third start after returning from Tommy John surgery.
Category: , Injury Updates
The Rangers rotation suffered a major blow as Yu Darvish was placed on the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his neck and shoulder. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish had made just three starts since his return from Tommy John surgery, but all three were very effective. He was removed from his last start after just five innings dealing with soreness. MRI's did not show any structural damage, so the Rangers are hoping a stint on the DL will provide the rest he needs to recover.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish has been scratched from his scheduled start Monday against Oakland due to tightness in his neck and shoulder. (Source: Evan Grant on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish had his bullpen session stopped after four pitches. He had been removed after five innings from his start on Wednesday with soreness and all seemed fine, but apparently, things have taken a step backward. This is not shocking as anyone recovering from TJ surgery will have ups and downs. The Rangers, of course, will be extremely cautious with their star pitcher.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish allowed just three hits and one run over five innings of work, but ended the night with no decision in the Rangers 3-1 loss to Houston. More importantly, Darvish, making his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery, left the game with right shoulder stiffness.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish was wildly effective as it took him 76 pitches to get through five innings. He struck out seven, but also walked four. Team physician Keith Meister immediately examined Darvish after he'd exited and did not expect anything serious to come from the stiffness.
Category: , Injury Updates, Game Recaps
Yu Darvish wasn't as sharp in his second start since coming back from Tommy John surgery, but the results were the same for the Rangers as Texas moved into first place with a 7-3 win over the Mariners Friday. Darvish lasted 5.2 innings, allowing six hits and three runs while walking one and striking out five.
Fantasy Impact: Darvish came out after 88 pitches as he will remain on a limited pitch count. His control tonight wasn't up to his usual standards despite only issuing one walk, but all indications are that he will only get stronger as the season progresses.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish was impressive in his first start since August of 2014, allowing just three hits and one run over five innings of work in the Rangers 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh Saturday. Darvish walked one and struck out seven on the day.
Fantasy Impact: The Rangers couldn't have asked for a better debut than what Darvish provided. He threw 81 pitches - 51 for strikes - and looked like his usual dominant self. There will be minefields ahead, as there usually is with players recovering from TJ surgery, but today's outing puts the rest of the AL West on notice. With Darvish, Cole Hamels, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, and Colby Lewis - along with A.J. Griffin (DL), the Rangers have the top rotation in the division and probably the American League.
Category: , Game Recaps
Yu Darvish will make his first start since 2014 when he takes the hill against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Park this Saturday. The Rangers are hoping to get 85-90 pitches out of Darvish after the right-hander tossed 87 pitches in his final rehab start. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish underwent Tommy John surgery prior to the start of the 2015 season. Expect the usual type of performance from a high-end pitcher coming back from TJ surgery. There will be a couple of bumps along the road, but figure three out of every four starts will be close to standard Darvish form. He should slip in nicely behind Cole Hamels to form one of the best 1-2 punches in the league.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish will start in what could be his final minor league rehab appearance Sunday for the Rangers' Double-A affiliate. (Source: Jeff Wilson on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish has been solid in rehab so far. He continues to flash his strikeout upside, albeit against minor league opponents. He is on track to return as soon as next week, meaning those owners who drafted and stashed him this spring can soon expect to receive the reward of their patience. If he's someone still available in your league grab him immediately.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish took another step towards returning to the big leagues with three solid innings of work today for Triple-A Round Rock. Darvish allowed one run on two hits in the three frames. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish threw 30 of his 50 pitches for strikes, and touched 97 mph on the radar gun. "I think it's going to be two or three weeks, but I'm going to go with the team's plan," Darvish said. "Whatever the day the team gave me as a schedule, that's when I'm coming back."
Category: , Injury Updates, Game Recaps
Yu Darvish will make his second rehab start on Friday, this time for Triple-A Round Rock. He will throw three innings or approximately 45 pitches. (Source: Anthony Andro on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish was impressive in his first rehab outing last Sunday for Double-A Frisco, but that was against a very weak hitting Corpus Christi squad. This will be another important test for the ace righthander as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery. He is still on schedule to rejoin the Rangers rotation at the end of the month.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish tossed two scoreless innings for Double-A Frisco today in the first of his scheduled minor league rehab outings. Darvish faced off against light-hitting Houston affiliate Corpus Christi (team batting average of .211), but still, the results were satisfying. Darvish walked one and struck out two and threw 32 pitches. (Source: www.dallasnews.com)
Fantasy Impact: As expected, his command was a little off. But Darvish certainly fared better in his first rehab outing than others before him such as Miami's Jose Fernandez or Tampa Bay's Matt Moore. Most importantly, Darvish averaged 94.3 mph on his fastball and touched 97 a couple of times.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish will take one more important step back to the major leagues this Sunday when he is scheduled to pitch two innings for Double-A Frisco. Darvish will face off against Corpus Christi and will be limited to 30 pitches as part of the medical rehab assignment. (Source: MLB.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish is still on schedule to return to the big league club in May. Once he returns, that would give the Rangers a six-man rotation of Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Martin Perez and A. J. Griffin. Griffin has been surprisingly effective, so the final spot could come down to Perez and Lewis.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish will throw in a simulated game environment in Arlington on Wednesday with Director of Medical Operations, Jamie Reed, observing. Darvish will do a regular bullpen session, then throw 30 pitches between two 15-pitch "innings." (Source: www.dallasnews.com)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish is progressing nicely from Tommy John surgery. This will be the first of three simulated games he will participate in. If all goes well, the next step is a rehab assignment in the minors, sometime around the end of the month. Barring setbacks, it puts Darvish on schedule to return to the Rangers rotation in late May.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish is expected to throw to hitters next week. (Source: Evan Grant on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and throwing to live batters is a tremendous step forward. Expect to have Darvish back at some point this season but give him a few starts to get all the kinks worked out. Once he is fully healthy and the rust shakes off, he should produce like the top ten talent that he is.
Category: , Injury Updates
Tue, Mar 1st 8:41am EST
By Blaine Blontz
Yu Darvish told reporters that he was pain-free following his first full bullpen session from a mound on Monday. Darvish is returning from Tommy John surgery. (Source: Bob Nightengale on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Barring setback, Darvish is expected to return to the Rangers' rotation by early June. While he's a solid pitcher for fantasy purposes considering his strikeout potential, it's still hard to know for sure when he'll be able to return.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish resumed throwing off a mound without experiencing issue yesterday. Darvish missed the entire 2015 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. (Source: TR Sullivan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It was an important next step for Darvish on his road to recovery. He still has a long road ahead of him, with much potential for setbacks, but if he continues on his current path he projects to return to the Rangers' rotation by early June.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish will meet with team doctors this weekend to determine if he's ready to take the next step in his return from Tommy John surgery, throwing off a mound. Darvish has been throwing since August, and the team hopes to have him back by early June. (Source: Dallas News)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish has shown that he can be an extremely effective fantasy pitcher, but expectations should be limited this season considering the time he will miss and the fact that it will be his first season returning from TJ surgery. Potential owners will want to monitor Darvish's progress and draft accordingly.
Category: , Injury Updates
Texas Rangers SP Yu Darvish threw for the first time since undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery. He threw 25 times from 40 feet without issue. (Source: TR Sullivan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: While this is a nice first step, Darvish is still months away from being game-ready. He's likely to miss at least the early part of the 2016 season as he continues to recover.
Category: , Injury Updates
Fri, Mar 13th 12:50pm EDT
By Clinton Ho
As expected, Yu Darvish will have ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow according to the team. His surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews. (Source: John Blake on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This is a crushing blow for all parties. The Rangers will lose their ace again and fantasy owners who already drafted Darvish will need a replacement. Although he missed a portion of last season, there were definitely hopes of Darvish returning to form in 2015. Fantasy owners who were hoping to grab Darvish at a discount can now move on and find someone else.
Category: , Injury Updates
The ace of the staff has a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. After receiving a second opinion that mirrored the first evaluation, it appears almost certain that Darvish will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2015 season. (Source: www.mlb.com)
Fantasy Impact: This is, needless to say, a severe blow to the Rangers hopes this season. After a 2014 campaign that was fraught with injuries, the Rangers were hoping a healthy squad would be able to compete in 2015. Losing Darvish will have an effect on everyone up and down the lineup - from the starting rotation to the closers, as well as to the hitters. A fantasy boost for Derek Holland, Yovani Gallardo and Colby Lewis (perhaps), but it's hard to find a lot of positives in this.
Category: , Injury Updates
Yu Darvish only threw 12 pitches in his first Spring Training outing and his right elbow issues may sideline him for 2015. There is a very good chance that Darvish will undergo Tommy John surgery, with other options to rest his elbow for a few months or try to pitch through the pain. He was shut down for the final seven weeks of the 2014 season with the same injury. (Source: Jesse Sanchez on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Darvish was a third round pick, ADP of 36, but the ECR for Darvish was only 63, as many saw him as a potential disappointment. This was the main issue for Darvish, who is a 200+ strikeout pitcher with a low batting average allowed when healthy, and he may miss the season. He will get a second opinion this week, but surgery is the suggested option. If Darvish does try to pitch through the pain, or rests the arm to allow it to heal without surgery, he will not be as effective this season. It looks like a lost season for Darvish in 2015.
Category: , Injury Updates
Darvish pitched a scoreless first inning but left after feeling tightness in his triceps. (Source: rangersblog.dallasnews.com)
Fantasy Impact: The Rangers immediately came out and said this was "not serious" but anytime your ace, who is coming off of an injury, has to leave a game earlier than expected because of a possible injury...well, kids, that's serious in my book. Monitor this situation very closely. Darvish threw only 12 pitches and only one of them topped 90 mph. He will be re-evaluated on Friday.
Yu Darvish threw 44 pitches in his first bullpen session of the spring and appeared to have no issues with the elbow inflammation that sidelined him late in the 2014 season. (Source: rangersblog.dallasnews.com)
Fantasy Impact: This is, of course, the guy that all eyes are on. Darvish is a legitimate No.1 starter if healthy. He will throw another session on Monday before the Rangers will officially comment on his status, but pitching coach Mike Maddux said "He threw very well...I liked what I saw." Monitor Darvish closely this spring, and don't be afraid to select him a little earlier in drafts than planned if things look positive.
