Yu Darvish was expected to start Opening Day before coming down with neck stiffness.
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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish was put on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, the same day he threw a 32-pitch bullpen session without any issues.
Darvish had been set to be the Rangers starter in Monday's opener against Philadelphia before having neck stiffness during camp. He last pitched in a game two weeks ago and didn't resume throwing until consecutive sessions this weekend.
Texas also put left-hander Matt Harrison, last year's opening-day starter, on the 15-day disabled list while setting its 25-man roster for the start of the season.
Harrison, who made only two starts last season before twice having surgery on a herniated disk in his back, had a setback early in spring training, when he felt neck and back stiffness. He could return to the rotation before the end of April.
Darvish's move to the disabled list was retroactive to March 21, meaning he could be eligible to return next weekend. Harrison's move was retroactive to March 29. Left-hander Derek Holland was already on the 60-day disabled list and not expected back until at least June after surgery on his left knee, injured during the offseason when he was tripped by his dog on stairs in his home.
Texas said Darvish reported feeling strong after his bullpen session with pitching coach Mike Maddux on Sunday, a day after 30 throws off flat ground. Darvish, who last season led the majors with 277 strikeouts and finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting, will get a day off from his throwing program before resuming Tuesday.
Texas also selected the contract of infielder Josh Wilson from Triple-A Round Rock, and he could start at second base. Infielder Adam Rosales was designated for assignment, giving the Rangers 10 days to trade him, release him or send him outright him to the minor leagues.
Second baseman Jurickson Profar (muscle tear in right shoulder) and catcher Geovany Soto (torn meniscus cartilage in right knee) are both expected to be out up to three months. Profar was put on the 15-day disabled list, and Soto on the 60-day list.
The opening 25-man roster includes only four starting pitchers: Tanner Scheppers, Martin Perez, Robbie Ross and Joe Saunders, the left-hander signed after camp opened and who earned an increase in his base salary from $500,000 to $1.5 million by being on the active roster for one day. The Rangers don't need a fifth starter until the second week of the season, and will make a move then.
Texas will start the season with seven relief pitchers and three catchers: J.P. Arencibia will start and be backed up by Robinson Chrinois and Chris Gimenez. The six outfielders include Mitch Moreland, who also is a first baseman and designated hitter.
Wilson likely will split time at second base with Donnie Murphy, claimed off waivers last week from the Chicago Cubs. The only other listed infielders are first baseman Prince Fielder, shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Adrian Beltre.
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