Darvish has mild elbow inflammation

ARLINGTON -- Rangers right-handed pitcher Yu Darvish, who underwent an MRI exam on Thursday, has been diagnosed with mild inflammation in his right elbow.

Dr. Keith Meister said the examination showed no indications of a long-term problem. Darvish was placed on the disabled list Wednesday and is eligible to come off on Aug. 25.

That will depend on how his elbow recovers. As soon as the soreness subsides, Darvish will resume a throwing program.

"I'm not too concerned," said Darvish, who had been scheduled to start Thursday's finale with the Rays. "I think I could throw if I have to today. I'm just taking a precautionary measure."

Asked if he could pitch if the Rangers were in a pennant race, Darvish said, "That's a difficult question. I want to throw. I want to pitch. I think I could if I pushed myself."

Darvish said he is experiencing more discomfort than real pain. He expects to pitch again this season but will not do so if it jeopardizes his long-term future.

Darvish said he had an elbow problem before the 2011 season that was worse than this. He was shut down for one Spring Training start but then went out and had his best season in Japan, going 18-6 with a career-best 1.44 ERA in a career-high 232 innings.

"This is milder," Darvish said. "Back then I couldn't even play catch."

The elbow did not cause Darvish any problems in his last start against the Astros on Saturday. But it did bother him when he tried to play catch on Monday and did not improve over the next few days. He was replaced by left-hander Robbie Ross on Thursday.