Yu Darvish won’t play in WBC next spring

Home > Sports > Football

print dictionary print

Yu Darvish won’t play in WBC next spring

Yu Darvish decided that he won’t pitch for his native Japan in the World Baseball Classic next spring, and will instead focus on preparing for his second season in the major leagues.

The Texas Rangers right-hander issued a statement Tuesday that he made the decision after much deliberation, including consultation with his coaches and trainers.

“Given my substantial workload over the last few seasons and the numerous changes I’ve endured in my move to the United States, I have decided with my team of advisers that getting ample rest is the most important thing for me right now as I prepare for the 2013 season,’’ Darvish said.

“My ultimate goal is to help win a World Series with the Texas Rangers and to share that accomplishment with the great baseball fans in Japan.’’

Darvish pitched for Japan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, then helped his home country win its second consecutive World Baseball Classic title in 2009. He went 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 13 innings while pitching five games in the WBC. He was on the mound for the final out in the championship game against Korea.

In 29 regular-season starts for Texas, Darvish went 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 191 1-3 innings. He was an AL All-Star for the Rangers, who won 93 games.

AP
Log in to Twitter or Facebook account to connect
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
help-image Social comment?
s
lock icon

To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.

Standards Board Policy (0/250자)