I can’t remember the exact moment the Yu Darvish news turned for the better, but everything has been far more positive lately and it’s very refreshing … and a little exciting.
The latest? Darvish threw a 55-pitch bullpen at Wrigley Field earlier today, his longest yet, and reportedly felt good afterwords (hooray!). Better yet, according to Tony Andracki, Darvish threw every pitch in his arsenal (that’s a whole lot of pitches) and is now more optimistic than he’s been throughout the entire process.
#Cubs Darvish threw 55 pitches in bullpen. Says he feels good
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) August 4, 2018
I know there were rumors that today’s “next step” was going to be a simulated game (which is essentially the next step in the process before a rehab assignment), but apparently those rumors were wrong. Apparently, the plan for today was always to throw another, longer bullpen, as it was, which means the possible next step will be a simulated game. UPDATE: Indeed, that’s what Bruce Levine is now reporting.
The slightly more confusing (because why would life ever be so easy) update includes this cryptic news from the Bruces (both Miles and Levine) about treatment shifting from Darvish’s elbow to his back:
Darvish said about 10 days ago, treatment shifted from elbow to spine, and that has him feeling better. About 55 pitches in pen. #Cubs
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) August 4, 2018
Yu Darvish said his arm issue switched to a back issue two weeks ago . Both are okay now as he threw 55 pitch pen today .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 4, 2018
Okay, so he felt some back soreness. Understandable, what’s so confusing … oh:
Cub source verified and clarified there is nothing wrong with Darvish’s back.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 4, 2018
The Bruce’s do not appear to be on the same page (including Levine with himself (is this just a past/present tense issue?)) and to be perfectly honest, I have no idea what to make of that anyway as this is the first I believe we’re hearing of it. Shrug.
The good news, though, is that both his back and elbow appear to feel fine, he’s thrown the longest bullpen yet, he feels more optimistic than ever, and should be headed for a simulated game next.
Given the pace at which he’s progressing, whether he needs one simulated game or two, Darvish appears on track to be back before the end of the season – potentially even as soon as the very beginning of September. We’ll remain guarded for the time being, but I think it’s okay to start feeling better about the direction this is heading.
Darvish stops to sign after his bullpen session. #Cubs pic.twitter.com/IBBA7fYiwD
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) August 4, 2018