Darvish throws bullpen session, could return soon

Associated Press
Texas Rangers' Yu Darvish of Japan signs autographs for fans before an opening day baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Monday, March 31, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Rangers ace pitcher Yu Darvish of Japan has thrown an 86-pitch bullpen training session and could return to the team in the next week.

Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux says the right-hander looked very good during what amounted to four innings of simulated work at the Rangers' home ballpark Tuesday.

Maddux says the next step is to see how Darvish recovers. He missed the opening-day start after coming up with a stiff neck about two weeks ago in spring training.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Monday that Darvish could return without making a rehabilitation start. He's eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday.