Darvish's lower back improving

Texas right-hander Yu Darvish balky lower back has shown signs of improvement since the season ended.

Darvish was in Texas this week and had an appointment with the team's spine consultant -- Dr. Drew Dossett. He also had an MRI which showed that the inflammation from nerve irritation in Darvish's lower back has subsided.

Darvish, who will work out in Texas for a few more days, is working on a core conditioning program to strengthen the lower back. He's expected to be able to do his off-season throwing program without any problems.

Darvish was unable to pitch at least six innings in each of his last three starts for the Rangers. He still finished the season 13-9 and finished second to Detroit's Max Scherzer in American League Cy Young voting.