Yu Darvish hasn’t felt this good during his career and I don’t give a shit that’s only spring training. He’s shown up to camp ready to go from the start and all indications should give Cubs fans lots of hope that Darvish will be the all-star pitcher he’s been throughout his career.
Darvish made his first spring training start and was throwing in the mid-90s with his fastball. He got up to 96mph, but did walk four batters in two innings. Then, Darvish was nasty against the White Sox on Sunday, getting some swings and misses, while he struck out three batters.
That game wasn’t on TV either, but Darvish shared some video from that start.
Yu Darvish Shares Video Of His Nasty Stuff Against The White Sox
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Anyway, Darvish’s next start was scheduled for Friday against the Mariners. It was going to be the first time fans would be able to see Darvish pitch on TV in 2019, but the Cubs have moved Darvish to a simulated game instead in Mesa.
Cubs planning on having Yu Darvish throw in a sim game at the team's complex in Mesa on Friday rather than sending him to Peoria to face the Mariners.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2019
While it sucks that we won’t be able to see Darvish in action and it might seem like a bad thing, the simulated game for him is actually another positive sign in his comeback.
Bleacher Nation explains.
YES. Quietly, this is excellent, and I was hoping this would happen – it means they feel very good about where he is, and there's no reason/need for him to face a big league team as he stretches out. https://t.co/Chatqgp2xN
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 6, 2019
In a sim game (usually against Cubs minor leaguers), you can control every aspect – length of inning, situation, when to take him out, put him back in, etc. It can be 100% about just getting him in the work to stretch out. Cubs have done it w/vets last few years. https://t.co/BJOjYSjGWk
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) March 6, 2019
Veteran left-hander Cole Hamels pitched a simulated game instead of pitching in a spring training game earlier this week for the Cubs.
Cole Hamels throwing a 3 IP sim game this morning. Faced Rizzo, Heyward and Happ in the first (22 pitches). pic.twitter.com/LRhXm4359o
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 4, 2019
Oh and I guess if you’re in Mesa, you can actually head over to the back fields at Sloan Park and watch Darvish pitch live on Friday.
As far as other pitching news, left-hander Xavier Cedeno has been dealing with a wrist injury. He still hasn’t pitched in a game, but the Cubs are optimistic about his status going forward.
Lefty Xavier Cedeno (left wrist) still shut down from throwing, but PC Tommy Hottovy said there is still time to get him in enough games this spring, barring any other setbacks. Hasn't reached red zone part of the spring calendar yet.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2019
If he does have any minor set back it could lead to an interesting decision in the bullpen for the Opening Day 25-man roster.
New Injury Could Make Bullpen Competition Even More Interesting For Cubs
Brad Brach still hasn’t made his Cubs debut in spring training yet and the latest story on him raised a couple eyebrows. Turns out that a viral infection cost him about $2 million.
So, The Cubs Restructured Brad Brach’s Contract And The Reason Is Weird
Pedro Strop made his spring training debut on Wednesday against the Royals. He gave up a single and a walk, while also striking out former teammate Jorge Soler.
Strop done after 21 pitches (12 strikes) to four batters. Allowed a single, walk and stolen base. Recorded one groundout and one strikeout. The K was swinging by Soler, who dropped to a knee after flailing.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2019
And just another reminder how good Strop has been with the Cubs.
Pedro Strop (making Cactus League debut now) has a Cubs-record five seasons with at least 50 games and a sub-3.00 ERA. Bruce Sutter held the previous record with four such seasons.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 6, 2019
Strop will most likely start the season as the closer, with Brandon Morrow expected to miss the first month of the year.
