MRI reveals no structural damage in Darvish's arm

Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer confirmed Wednesday than an MRI on Yu Darvish's ailing right arm revealed no structural damage, only inflammation in his right triceps.

Darvish, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday for the second time this season with what the team initially described as triceps tendonitis, will try to begin a throwing program either this weekend or early next week. He's eligible to come off the DL on Saturday.

According to manager Joe Maddon, Darvish had been bothered by soreness in his triceps since his May 20 outing against the Cincinnati Reds, prompting the club to send him for an MRI he deemed precautionary.

Through his first eight starts with the Cubs, Darvish - who signed a six-year, $126-million contract in February - has struggled mightily, managing a 4.95 ERA (83 ERA+) and 1.43 WHIP while failing to get through five innings in all but three outings.

"He has not been on any kind of cruise control, by any means, not gotten into any rhythm," Maddon told David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. "It's like a nice sports car. When it gets going, it's really fun to watch. It's just not there on a consistent basis."