Rangers’ Darvish draws first start vs. Pirates
How far can the Rangers’ rotation carry them this year? The organization could have a pretty clear idea in just a few hours.
Yu Darvish makes his much-ballyhooed return in tonight’s tussle against the Pirates, with a 7:15 p.m. ET first pitch at Global Life Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv prefer the hosts as 1.5-run favorites here. Clint Hurdle’s club enters as a +117 underdog, while the over/under run figure rests at nine.
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Expectations surrounding Darvish’s first MLB start in nearly 22 months are ridiculously high – as they should be. Not only was the Japanese sensation feted as the next big thing upon arriving in the United States, he looked well on his way to justifying the hype until right elbow inflammation surfaced in the summer of 2014.When Darvish’s condition failed to improve the following spring, Tommy John surgery beckoned.
His road back to the majors contains no shortage of casualties. The 29-year-old posted a 0.90 ERA with 21 punchouts and six walks in 20 rehab innings between Triple-A Round Rock and Double-A Frisco. Most importantly, his stuff electrified fans and scouts alike.
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That late fastball movement and secondary repertoire will be vital vs. Pittsburgh, which boasts five straight wins. The Buccos even clobbered the previously unbeaten Cole Hamels last night, smacking four homers in all. Don’t expect Darvish to get knocked around to the same degree, but Texas manager Jeff Banister must also exercise caution when the subject turns to pitch count. The former Pacific League star stands to exit after roughly 85 offerings, putting the onus on the Rangers’ relief corps – and playing right into the Pirates’ hands.
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