MINNEAPOLIS _ Signaling that help is on the way for the Rangers' hard-pressed pitching staff, starter Yu Darvish and reliever Keone Kela will begin injury-rehabilitation assignments on Monday.
Darvish was cleared on Friday for a three-inning start with Double-A Frisco at Northwest Arkansas. The final step was a 29-pitch bullpen session, followed by a dozen more throws on flat ground.
Kela reported no problems after throwing 25 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday. He will work one inning with Triple-A Round Rock at New Orleans.
Each is likely to remain on the disabled list until the All-Star break. The Rangers will not let their need for pitching reinforcements enter the decision-making process, Banister said.
'There has not been and there is not going to be urgency with either one of them," Banister said. "I don't think we've indicated that we would be urgent with them."
Darvish has been on the disabled list since June 9 because of shoulder soreness. Banister indicated Darvish would need multiple rehab starts. He could return during the series at the Chicago Cubs after the All-Star break.
Kela has been on the disabled list since led list April 20 because of surgery to relieve an impingement in the right elbow. He will have to rebuild arm strength and pass the test of appearing on consecutive days.
