Yu Darvish injury update

Sep 24, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Geovany Soto (8) talks to starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) on the mound in the first inning of the game against the Houston Astros at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Yu Darvish has been in the Dallas/Fort Worth area recently to have his back checked out by the team doctor.  Darvish experienced issues with is back some during the end of the season that caused some occasional numbness in his right leg.  The back issue is thought to have contributed to his drop the velocity of his fastball starting in September.  Reviewing his pitches from Pitch F/X, it does show they went down from 94 MPH on average to 92 MPH on average.

Darvish visited Dr. Drew Dossett, a spine consultant and had an MRI done.  The good news is that the inflammation that was in his back appears to now be gone.  The Texas Rangers released a statement about Darvish and stated he had received an injection for his back at the end of the season.

Now that he has the green light, Darvish will continue his off season workouts.

"“This is the news we were hoping for,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “Our training staff will continue working with Yu to strengthen his core and avoid any future issues. He should have a normal offseason and ramp up to spring as he otherwise would have.”  (Richard Durrett – ESPNDallas.com)"

This is good news for all Texas Rangers fans to hear.  After a season full of injuries to the pitching staff, the Rangers need him to be healthy for the 2014 season.  It appears at this point, Darvish will be ready to go for spring training.