Yu Darvish OK after bullpen session

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ARLINGTON, Texas -- Yu Darvish threw a full bullpen session Friday and even caught footballs with some of the Rangers' pitchers, declaring that his stiff neck is fine. He's scheduled to start Sunday against Zack Greinke and the Los Angeles Angels.

"I was able to throw my bullpen without any discomfort," Darvish said through interpreter Joe Furukawa. "When I make my next start, I don't think it's going to be a factor."

Rangers manager Ron Washington said he never had long-term concerns about Darvish's neck. The club just wanted to be sure Darvish was healthy before getting him back on the mound.

Darvish's neck bothered him Tuesday morning, the day he was scheduled to start. He came in early and tried to throw but couldn't and was scratched. Scott Feldman started in his place.

Darvish has made steady progress the past few days, resting and getting a little treatment.

Darvish is 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA. He leads all rookies in wins and is third in the AL in strikeouts with 214. He's a candidate to be the club's Game 1 starter in the playoffs and is on a streak of seven consecutive quality starts.

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Richard Durrett

ESPNDallas.com

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Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.