ARLINGTON -- Rain forced Yu Darvish to throw his batting-practice session indoors on Sunday, but pitching coach Doug Brocail was still pleased with the results.
Darvish could begin a medical rehabilitation assignment as early as April 26 in Frisco, Texas, although he still has one more batting-practice session.
Darvish, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on March 17, 2015, threw 50 pitches in increments of 15, 15 and 20 in the indoor batting cages. Josh Hamilton and Bryan Holaday stood at the plate tracking pitches, but did not swing. Chris Gimenez, who is almost fully recovered from an infection in his left ankle, caught Darvish.
"It went very good," Brocail said. "He had good angle on his fastball, crisp. He spins the ball as good as anybody in the game. His curveball was better than expected, his slider was phenomenal and his changeup was good. He looked good."
General manager Jon Daniels said Sunday the most realistic time frame for Darvish to return is mid-to-late May.
Darvish's next session is scheduled for Thursday before the Rangers' game with the Astros.
"Probably one more like this with live hitters," Darvish said. "Fifty pitches and then see ya, go out on assignment."
Darvish would likely make 5-6 starts on rehab assignment and be ready to return to the rotation in late May.