Darvish says he no longer has 'strange feelings' in arm

Almost two years removed from Tommy John surgery, Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish enters 2017 fully healthy with a lot to prove in the final year of his contract.

After making 17 starts last season, his first since 2014, Darvish says he can see a difference on the mound - particularly in his surgically repaired elbow.

"I think I am progressing very well this spring physically," Darvish said, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. "I have been able to build up to this point. In between innings in the games last year, I had some strange feelings in my arm when I started throwing on the mound again. This year, I don't have that kind of feeling. That's another positive."

The news should give Rangers fans hope as Darvish was one of the most dominant starters in the American League before the extended absence. From 2012-14, Darvish was first in strikeouts per nine innings (11.2) and was seventh among AL starters with a 3.17 FIP.

Alongside Cole Hamels, the club will rely heavily on Darvish in the rotation, as both starters combined to lead the Rangers in strikeouts and ERA. The right-hander will earn $11 million this year and if he stays healthy, should headline the free-agent market for starting pitchers in the offseason.