Yu Darvish Throws ‘Normal’ Bullpen, Still Set for Saturday

Yu Darvish was scratched from his most recent start due to forearm tightness, something he’s apparently been dealing with for several weeks. While the Cubs say the skipped start was more about controlling his workload and that everything was fine physically, not everyone was confident in that explanation.

But Darvish has been playing catch, including in the Miller Park outfield prior to Thursday’s series opener. He then headed to the bullpen for a session aimed at keeping him on routine and determining his readiness for a scheduled Saturday start. The righty threw 29 pitches and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said everything was normal, declaring Darvish good to go.

https://twitter.com/mlbastian/status/1169702356063346690?s=11

And…exhale.