As the Yu Darvish saga continues to unfold, the Cubs are expressing disbelief that the pitcher’s history of arm issues could have somehow been an indication that he might have similar troubles after joining the team this winter on a six-year, $126 million free agent deal.
Currently fighting back from the disabled list for the second time this season, Darvish had Tommy John surgery in 2015, which caused him to miss the entire season. His injury issues date as far back as 2009, which he missed a month for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters with what was then classified as “shoulder fatigue.”
“We’ve been getting a lot of questions about Darvish’s injury problems with us this season and if his previous arm issues should have tipped us off that he might be a risk for us,” said Cubs President Theo Epstein, while polishing his three World Series champion rings. “I’m smart enough to have been a doctor if I wanted, so I can confidently say that Darvish’s spotty arm health is no indication he’d have the same issues with us.”
Epstein added that former Cub Jake Arrieta’s career 3.54 ERA is no indication he’d have a sub-three ERA so far this season.
