Astros announcer apologizes for Yu Darvish remark

Astros announcer Alan Ashby apologized for comments about Yu Darvish. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Houston Astros announcer Alan Ashby said he's sorry for the controversial on-air comments he made about Yu Darvish after the Texas Rangers pitcher blew a perfect game in the ninth inning on April 2.

The comments under fire were about Darvish learning the English language. Darvish grew up in Japan before coming over to the Texas Rangers last season. The Rangers ended up winning the game 7-0 , but Darvish would've become only the 24th pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game.

Chris Chase of USA Today Sports transcribed the on-air dialogue between Ashby and play-by-play commentator Geoff Blum:

Blum: "Gosh, that has got to be a tough pill to swallow."

Ashby: "That'll force a guy to learn some of the language here in America."

Blum: "[Laughter] Some of the more inappropriate language. I like it. They probably learn that instantly coming over here. But that was a fantastic performance."

USA Today Sports also included the subsequent apology that Ashby issued the next day:

"I'd like to apologize if my comments last night were misinterpreted or construed as insensitive. I have the highest respect for Yu Darvish; he's a great player and his performance last night was outstanding. He showed a great deal of poise in the face of a difficult moment last night, which speaks to the strength of his character."