A couple days after pitching a simulated game that went well by all accounts, we still don’t have any kind of official word on a rehab start for Yu Darvish. Given the trajectory of his multiple-rehabs, I wouldn’t blame anyone who was getting nervous.
It doesn’t sound like there’s any cause for that just yet.
First of all, he’s currently throwing on the field:
Darvish, Morrow and Duensing now all "pitching" to coaches in right field. (not on the mound or anything)
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) August 16, 2018
And second of all, Theo Epstein just said on The Score that the rehab start is likely coming exactly when we expect it:
#Cubs' Yu Darvish will almost certainly make a rehab start late this weekend or early next week, Theo Epstein says. The team is still finalizing details and seeing how he feels today.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 16, 2018
Sunday would be “normal” rest from his simulated game, so anything in that Sunday through Tuesday range would be roughly expected for his first rehab start if things were proceeding as planned. Hopefully he feels good throwing right now, and we’ll soon get an official announcement.
UPDATE: It’s coming Sunday:
Darvish to pitch Sunday at TBA
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) August 16, 2018
The South Bend Cubs make the most sense geographically, and they are home on Sunday. The Tennessee Smokies are also home on Sunday, and the Iowa Cubs are on the road. Myrtle Beach is also at home, but is obviously a bit further away.