Darvish feeling strong, will throw 1st bullpen in March

The Texas Rangers gained an ace when they traded for Cole Hamels at the non-waiver trade deadline last July, and they're hoping to get another top pitcher back in the fold soon.

Right-hander Yu Darvish, who underwent Tommy John surgery last March, is hoping to throw his first bullpen session next month, giving him an outside shot at returning as early as April.

"For 10 years I've been throwing in my career," Darvish said through a translator. "Sometimes throwing in the 10 years, it's kind of like it became routine and I wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to when I first started my career. Having that time (off), I feel like I'm enjoying throwing the ball more right now.

"What I'm trying to do is come back in April. But I want to take my time. I don't want to rush myself. It may take even longer than the team might think, but I'll do everything I can do."

Darvish will report to camp with the rest of the club's pitchers and catchers on Feb. 18, and he's already throwing six days a week off flat ground. The 29-year-old made a bold statement while speaking to reporters Tuesday, suggesting he could throw 95 mph at this point in his rehab if he wanted to.

And he won't have to look far for inspiration. Rangers slugger Prince Fielder rebounded with a huge 2015 campaign following major neck surgery to earn American League Comeback Player of the Year honors. He hit .305/.378/.463 with 23 homers and 98 RBIs to claim the award, and inspire Texas to its first division title since 2011.

Darvish, who is expected to form a formidable one-two punch at the top of the Rangers' rotation with Hamels, has recorded a 3.27 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 83 starts in three seasons with the Rangers.