Darvish to DL as Rangers set Opening Day roster
Recovering from neck stiffness, right-hander throws bullpen session Sunday
Pitcher Yu Darvish was one of three players the Rangers placed on the 15-day disabled list as they finalized their Opening Day roster on Sunday, but the All-Star right-hander is making progress toward his return.
Darvish, recovering from neck stiffness, threw a 32-pitch bullpen session with pitching coach Mike Maddux on Sunday at Globe Life Park and felt strong, reporting no physical issues. It was his second consecutive day of throwing after he played long toss from 100 feet, then threw on flat ground from 60 feet on Saturday. Following a day off Monday, Darvish is scheduled to resume his throwing program on Tuesday.
Darvish most recently pitched on March 16, and he was scratched from his next scheduled outing on March 21. His DL stint is retroactive to the latter date.
The Rangers also placed infielder Jurickson Profar (torn shoulder muscle) and left-hander Matt Harrison (back surgery) on the 15-day DL, retroactive to March 23 and March 29, respectively. Catcher Geovany Soto was added to the 60-day DL as he recovers from surgery to repair torn lateral meniscus cartilage in his right knee.
To fill out their 25-man roster for Monday afternoon's season opener against the Phillies, the Rangers also purchased the contract of infielder Josh Wilson from Triple-A Round Rock and designated infielder Adam Rosales for assignment. Those moves leave them with 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Texas will open the season carrying 11 pitchers and 14 position players, with the roster breakdown as follows:
Pitchers: Neal Cotts, Pedro Figueroa, Jason Frasor, Alexi Ogando, Martin Perez, Seth Rosin, Robbie Ross, Jr., Joe Saunders, Tanner Scheppers, Joakim Soria, Shawn Tolleson.
Catchers: J.P. Arencibia, Robinson Chirinos, Chris Gimenez
Infielders: Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder, Donnie Murphy, Wilson
Outfielders: Jim Adduci, Michael Choice, Shin-Soo Choo, Leonys Martin, Mitch Moreland, Alex Rios