The last time Yu Darvish pitched in live action for the Texas Rangers Ron Washington was the manager of the team.

Let that soak in. 21 months.

In his first rehab start, with the AA affiliate of the Rangers, he threw 2 innings of shut out baseball. He threw 32 pitches, 18 srikes, and hit 97 on the radar gun. Twice.

"I am glad the fans didn't forget me for not pitching in more than a year,'' Darvish said, "I appreciate that.''

We didn't forget Yu. We'll never forget Yu.

Ron Jenkins via Getty Images
Ron Jenkins via Getty Images
loading...

Darvish will make, at least, 4 more rehab starts stretching his pitch count out each start. When the Rangers and Darvish feel ready to move up he will join the rotation. Whether it be as the 6th member or replacing a member ousting someone to the bullpen.

Because Jeff Bannister prefers it when the bull pen is mightier.

Rob Tringali via Getty Images
Rob Tringali via Getty Images
loading...

The rotation right now is, staff ace A.J. Griffin (3-0, 2.32 ERA), Cole Hamels (3-0, 3.30 ERA), Derek Holland (3-1, 2.48 ERA), Colby Lewis (2-0, 3.19 ERA) and Martin Perez (1-2, 4.20 ERA)

Just based on stats Martin Perez is the odd man out. It's always better to have too many good options.

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340