There was a lot of hopefulness when the Chicago Cubs signed Yu Darvish to a six-year $126 million contract in February. Hopefulness and questions I should say, since fans were going to compare Darvish to the other performance of former Cub Jake Arrieta.
Well it looks like Cubs fans will need to wait until August to begin comparing the two again, at least that’s what Jim Hickey told the Score’s Brian Hanley and Mike Mulligan Thursday morning.
Making his regular appearance on the Mully and Hanley show on 670 The Score, Hickey was asked what the timeframe was on Yu. Talking about the cortisone shot, how long someone needs before they can resume throwing after that shot, and regarding the timeline needed to get Yu ready, Jim mentioned that the realistic expectation would be around the July trade deadline, or August more realistically.
The optimistic outlook is for Yu Darvish to return in late July, #Cubs pitching coach Jim Hickey says. He has to go through process of building up arm strength, which will include bullpen sessions, a simulated game and at least one rehab start.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 5, 2018
As someone that knows the value Yu can bring, it is best for the Cubs to wait this out and we all get a difference-making starter right around the trade deadline. A starter that strikes out more hitters per nine innings than any starting pitcher, ever.
So the waiting game is on. Don’t expect to see Yu in July, but pinpoint that first week in August as Yu Darvish returns week for the Cubs.
