ARLINGTON, Texas -- When Yu Darvish officially became a Texas Ranger, there was a lot of drama surrounding him.

Everyone wanted to know if he would come across as good as advertised, or had the Rangers front office paid too much for someone they weren't sure would make the adjustment to the American style of baseball.

At the midway point of his rookie season, it's safe to say he's doing fine.

"I think I have been able to adjust to pitching over here in the big leagues," Darvish said through translator Joe Furukawa. "Overall, I've been able to do what I've wanted to do. So far, it's going good."

Darvish has put up impressive numbers this season, holding a 10-5 record with a 3.59 ERA. The right-hander, who was named to the American League All-Star roster after winning the final vote from the fans, leads the Rangers with 117 strikeouts.

The Japanese pitcher set a goal for himself to throw over 100 innings before the All-Star break. After throwing seven innings against Oakland on July 1, Darvish surpassed that plateau and has currently thrown 102 2/3 innings this season.

"In the first half, hitting that 100 (innings) and throwing over that, I was very pleased with myself that I'm able to do that," Darvish said.

Darvish says the biggest thing he learned in the first half of the season is to not over-think, especially against teams that he has already faced. He's pleased with the job he's ben able to do so far, but he knows he has a long way to go, especially in the grueling Texas heat.

"I think the first half was very good," Darvish said. "Honestly, my body feels better than I thought it would in the first half. I know the hardest part of the season is the second half. I know it's going to be demanding physically."

But if the first half proves anything, Darvish will be more than up to the challenge.