Rangers ace Darvish decides on more BP before rehab start

CHICAGO (AP) Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish has decided to throw one more live batting practice session, pushing back his first minor league rehabilitation start to May 1 in his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

But Rangers pitching coach Doug Brocail said Friday the three-time All-Star is still on track to return to the big leagues as soon as May 16 at Oakland.

Brocail said Darvish was happy with his fastball, cut fastball and slider after Thursday's batting practice but feels he needs more work on his curveball and changeup before throwing in a game.

Darvish will throw 60 pitches in a Tuesday batting practice in Arlington, Texas. He'll then make his first rehab start five days later for Double-A Frisco.

Darvish will make at least three rehab starts. Brocail said if Darvish decides he needs another, it would push his major league return past May 16.