The Texas Rangers will place Yu Darvish on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of a mild strain in the pitcher's right upper back. Texas assistant general manager Thad Levine said putting Darvish on the DL during the All-Star break will allow Darvish to sit for two weeks and skip just one start while resting the bothersome trapezius muscle. "At this stage, it's not something we're really worried about," Levine said. "We think it's probably a little bit more fatigue than anything. It will put him in the best position to hit the ground running in the second half. Based upon [this being] retroactive to his last start, he would be eligible to come off on [July] 22, which is the first game against the Yankees, and it's our hope and expectation that he'll be on the mound for that game." Darvish agreed with the move. "I don't think it's a big issue, but just as a precaution. I'd rather skip a start than push it through," Darvish said. Source: ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth
