Texas Rangers’ phenom Yu Darvish was activated from the disabled list on Sunday, and he did not waste any time before making history.
In his first start of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays, Darvish became the fastest pitcher ever to reach 500 strikeouts. He accomplished the feat in just 401 2/3 innings.
The 27-year-old right-hander struck out 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers in the first inning to hit the 500 mark, beating former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood’s record by three whole innings. At the time of Myers’ strikeout, Darvish averaged a career rate of 11.20 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
Darvish was scheduled to be the Rangers’ Opening Day starter until a stiff neck sent him to the DL, but his coaches are confident that he will continue to deliver strong performances this season.
“He’s still strong as an ox,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said via ESPN.com. “He’s ready to go.”
