InsideJapan News Network

Yu Darvish got his career at the Texas Rangers underway yesterday (February 21st), taking part in his first training session with the Major League Baseball champions.

At the team's pre-season training camp the right-handed pitcher made his first throws as a Rangers player, throwing 30 pitches, AFP reported.

There is much hype surrounding Darvish after Rangers paid the biggest fee ever to sign a Japanese baseball star.

After posting the winning bid of $51.7 million, the 25-year-old former Nippon Ham Fighters player agreed terms with the Texas side.

During the training session Darvish pitched at catcher Luis Martinex, himself signed from San Diego in the off-season.

"It was a bit overwhelming after what he did in Japan," Martinez said.

"I was excited. He had a bunch of pitches and had great stuff. He was down in the zone. He did very well."

During his time in Japan Darvish was twice voted the Most Valuable Player in the league and over seven years had a 93-38 record with a 1.99 ERA across 164 starts.

Written by Mark Smith


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