Cubs' Darvish throws simulation game without setback

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish, recovering from right triceps tendinitis that has sidelined him for over two months, threw a two-inning simulated game Wednesday without experiencing any pain.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish, recovering from right triceps tendinitis that has sidelined him for over two months, threw a two-inning simulated game Wednesday without experiencing any pain.

Darvish tossed 33 pitches without any physical issues or complaints in a live batting practice session pitching to teammates Tommy La Stella and Victor Caratini. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that if there are no setbacks, the right-hander is expected to throw another simulation over the weekend, most likely on Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Darvish is on the disabled list and hasn't pitched since May 20.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon was present and gave a positive review to reporters, telling the local media that Darvish reached 93 mph with his fastball and "looked loose and free" while remaining cautiously optimistic about Darvish's rehab.

"He threw very well, easy, not affected in any way," said Maddon. "He looked loose and free to me; I thought it was a good day."

Per the Sun-Times, a successful simulation outing this weekend could spark a rehab assignment as early as late next week. While the Cubs have not revealed any specific timeline for Darvish to be activated, a return to the mound at the major league level seems unlikely in August.

Darvish, who turns 32 next week, is 1-3 with a 4.95 ERA in eight starts this season, his first with the Cubs. He is 57-45 with a 3.49 ERA during his six-year MLB career, pitching for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cubs.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)