Darvish throws for first time since TJ surgery

ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish began a throwing program on Monday, five months after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Darvish made 25 easy throws from a distance of 40 feet, and he's scheduled to do that three times a week while gradually increasing the distance, frequency and intensity.

In a tweet Monday night, Darvish wrote: "I had no discomfort or pain. I will little by little go forward."

Darvish underwent the surgery on March 17, and the normal recovery time from Tommy John surgery is 12-14 months.

Worth noting

• Outfielder Josh Hamilton was out of the lineup on Monday with more soreness in his left knee.

Said Hamilton, "It's just sore. Couple of days, I'll be good. I'm available to pinch-hit."

• Reliever Tanner Scheppers, who is on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his left knee, was back with the Rangers on Monday after throwing a scoreless inning on Sunday night for Double-A Frisco. He has made three appearances on a rehab assignment and is eligible to come off the disabled list, but the Rangers haven't made a decision.

Said Scheppers, "All I can tell you is I feel good."

• Outfielder Leonys Martin has been placed on the disabled list at Triple-A Round Rock with a possible broken hamate bone in his right hand. He will be examined by a hand specialist in Dallas on Tuesday to see if surgery is necessary.

To replace Martin at Round Rock, top outfield prospect Nomar Mazara, ranked No. 2 in the organization by MLB.com, has been called up from Frisco.

• Catcher Robinson Chirinos, on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder, is expected to be examined by Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday. Chirinos is hoping to get clearance to resume taking batting practice after being shut down for a few days because of soreness in the shoulder.