‘Stronger’ Darvish counted on in 2nd postseason foray

ARLINGTON — Yu Darvish is in a good place again. And for the Rangers, that place will be on the mound in the postseason for the first time since Darvish’s rookie year in 2012, as the right-hander gets the ball in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Blue Jays on Friday at Globe Life Park.

The 1 p.m. ET/noon CT game can be seen on TBS, as well as Sportsnet (English) and TVA (French) in Canada.

In Darvish’s first season in the Majors, he was the losing pitcher in the Rangers’ 5-1 ouster by the Orioles in the AL Wild Card Game, allowing five hits and three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 innings.

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 6 TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA Gm 2 Oct. 7 1 p.m. TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA Gm 3 Oct. 9 7:30 p.m. TEX @ TOR TBS/SN/TVA *Gm 4 Oct. 10 TBD TEX @ TOR TBS/SN/TVA *Gm 5 Oct. 12 TBD TOR @ TEX TBS/SN/TVA *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Rangers | Blue Jays • Complete Postseason coverage

The following two years, Texas missed the postseason. And last year, when the Rangers got back in the party, Darvish was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

“It’s a great thing for me,” Darvish said of his return to postseason action. “Last year, I wanted to pitch, but couldn’t. This year, I’m physically healthy and I’m ready.”

Darvish has pitched in plenty of big games in his past. The …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com