ARLINGTON, Texas -- With little to gain in the final three weeks of the regular season, the last-place Texas Rangers are taking no chances with Yu Darvish.
General manager Jon Daniels on Saturday announced that the 28-year-old right-handed ace of the staff will not pitch again this season.
"That would be silly on our part," Daniels said of allowing Darvish to continue pitching. "There's just not much to be gained from it at this point."
Darvish last pitched on Aug. 9 and has been on the 15-day disabled list since with right elbow inflammation. The injured elbow was examined on Thursday.
Daniels called it a "common sense'' decision. The Rangers' 53-88 record is the worst in the majors.
Darvish through an interpreter said he was disappointed.
"It is my job to pitch throughout the season,'' Darvish said.
Darvish indicated the decision was taken out of his hands by the club but that, though disappointed, he believes the decision is wise.
"That is what I've been told,'' he said of the move to shut him down. "It is what it is.
"I think we've all made the right decision in shutting it down," he said. "Even if I wanted, the medical staff are experts in what they do, so I have to go by what they say. I'm glad that we were able to detect this at the early stage."
In 144 innings this season, Darvish posted a 10-7 record with a 3.06 ERA, an improvement on his rookie numbers but not as good as 2013.
In three seasons with the Rangers since coming over from Japan, Darvish is 39-25 with a 3.27 ERA.
Daniels said he feels the organization "dodged a bullet'' because the exam revealed Darvish did not suffer any tears.
Darvish said because he has not thrown a ball, he cannot really tell if his arm is better.
"Before he leaves we want to get an MRI and then give him a chance to stretch out and throw some long toss just for his peace of mind,'' Daniels said.
Said Darvish: "Next season is going to be a different season. I am going to forget about this year.''
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.