Yu Darvish inching toward return to Texas Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers have had one of the most dependable rotations in the American League to start the season, with the starters working at least five innings in all 16 games.

That rotation took another step toward getting a big boost Thursday as right-hander Yu Darvish threw his third live batting practice session. If Darvish, who missed the entire 2015 season after having Tommy John surgery, doesn't have any issues Friday, the Rangers will pencil him in for his first rehab start for Double-A Frisco.

Darvish wants to be at full strength when he returns to the Rangers, which could be in late May.

"I don't think I'm rushing myself because when I get back on the mound in a game I want to be perfect," Darvish said. "I want to be ready there. So until I get to that point, I don't want to push myself."

Darvish said he felt good after his throwing session Thursday that included facing off against Josh Hamilton, who is rehabbing from left knee surgery.

He feels confident where he's at in his rehab program, too.

"I feel like they made a pretty good program for me on rehab, and every time I make the next step I have no problem with pain or anything like that," said Darvish, who pitched just one spring training inning last year. "I have no fear going to the next step."