Yu pushed back to avoid chilly Chicago

SEATTLE -- The Rangers have pushed back Yu Darvish in the rotation to avoid having him pitch in Chicago during the three-game series that starts on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Texas' starters against the Cubs will be Derek Holland, Justin Grimm and Alexi Ogando.

Darvish's next start is scheduled for Friday against the Mariners at the Ballpark in Arlington.

The forecast for the three games in Chicago calls for cold temperatures and potential rain. The Rangers did not want Darvish pitching in that environment. He has been dealing with a blister on his right ring finger and has occasionally been prone to stiffness in his neck.

"All of that comes into play," manager Ron Washington said. "Especially with [Matt Harrison] down, we've got to make sure we keep him right."

Darvish is healthy and said his finger did not bother him during Friday's start against the Mariners. But Darvish said after that 3-1 loss that he is "not right" and needs to make an adjustment before his next start. His biggest problem is his fastball command.

Darvish allowed three runs in the first but then pitched five scoreless innings without allowing a hit. Darvish is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA after three starts.

"He has been pitching fine for me," Washington said. "I'd like to be not right and pitch the way he has. Look out for the rest of the league when he is right. He knows himself better than I do, but I'll take him not right the way he has been pitching. He'll get into a part of the season where things will fall into place. He's pitched just three games."