The Los Angeles Dodgers have overcome a slew of injuries this season and now will go without recent acquisition Yu Darvish for at least one turn through the rotation. On Saturday, Darvish became the 25th different player the Dodgers put on the disabled list this season.
Each of the nine pitchers who have made a start for the team has also spent time on the DL. Darvish’s stint is retroactive to Thursday, Aug. 17, and due to lower back tightness. It’s what caused the 31-year-old to come out of his Dodger Stadium debut after just six innings.
After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said lifting Darvish was precautionary and he expected the right-hander to make his next start. While Darvish believes he’s healthy enough to take the mound, he respects the Dodgers’ decision to err on the side of caution, according to Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA:
“My initial reaction after the last outing was that I felt like I could make the next start. However, after talking to the team and consulting with the doctor, I understand their concern and I respect that opinion. I will make sure to get treatment and rest to get ready for my next start.”
Darvish revealed the back tightness was an issue he battled in a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. That in some part explained why the outing wasn’t as sharp as his Dodgers debut.
Darvish intended to pitch through the discomfort against the Chicago White Sox, but a conversation with Clayton Kershaw, who stressed the importance of October, convinced him to exit after 90 pitches and six innings.
Darvish finished with only two strikeouts, which snapped his 124-start streak of recording at least three strikeouts in each of his Major League outings. In three starts with the Dodgers, he’s 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched.
