MESA, Ariz. _ Yu Darvish was scratched from his Cubs spring debut Thursday because of an illness.
Darvish, who was scheduled to face the Rockies at Sloan Park, instead threw a two-inning bullpen session and took batting practice. The right-hander remains on track to make his next start Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers _ his former team.
Darvish, who signed a six-year, $126 million contract with the Cubs last month, had felt sick the last few days.
"I feel good," Darvish said after his workout. "No worries."
Manager Joe Maddon said he endorsed Darvish's decision to scratch his start and work under a more controlled setting.
Alec Mills started in place of Darvish.
