Rangers capping Darvish at 90 pitches in return

The Texas Rangers are going to ease Yu Darvish back into the bigs.

Pitching coach Doug Brocail told reporters Tuesday that upon Darvish's much-anticipated return on Saturday against the Pirates, the Rangers will limit him to 85-90 pitches.

"That would be a good pitch count," Brocail said. "It all depends on how he looks during the game and how many pitches he has. We're not going to have him go out there and throw 150 pitches."

This will mark Darvish's first major-league start since undergoing Tommy John surgery on March 17, 2015. He hasn't pitched in the bigs since 2014.

Darvish has made five rehab starts, hitting the 87-pitch mark in his final outing. Brocail added that because the Rangers have the day off Thursday, the club will have the whole bullpen available to relieve Darvish on Saturday.

Almost two months into the season, Brocail isn't overly concerned with an innings limit unless the Rangers get deep into the postseason. But even then, Darvish will be monitored as the season wears on.

"It would be pretty close, but that's if he goes out and throws seven innings every time out," Brocail said. "Every guy is different. We'll listen to him and make a determination of what he says and what we see.

"There is a long way to go. We're not worried about it now."

Darvish will join a Texas rotation that is already one of the best in the majors, owning a 3.37 ERA, good for third in the league.