Darvish throws live BP, set for intrasquad game

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Yu Darvish, showing off an excellent changeup, threw 34 pitches of live batting practice on Saturday, and his next start will be in game conditions. Darvish is scheduled to pitch on Monday in the Rangers' first intrasquad scrimmage and again on Thursday against the Royals at 2:05 p.m. CT in the first Cactus League game.

"I'll try and do my best," said Darvish with a smile.

He'll likely throw just one or two innings in each of those outings, but it puts him on the road to be the Rangers' Opening Day starter against the Phillies on March 31. Nate Adcock will be the other starter in Monday's intrasquad game.

On Tuesday, Colby Lewis and Jose Contreras will start the intrasquad game. Also scheduled to pitch are Martin Perez, Alexi Ogando, Joakim Soria, Nick Tepesch, Neftali Feliz, Neal Cotts and Michael Kirkman.

Darvish and Tommy Hanson are scheduled for Thursday against the Royals, while Ogando and Contreras will pitch against them on Friday.