Yu's Injury the Ultimate Gut Punch

It's true.

Yu Darvish only plays in every fifth game for the Texas Rangers. Yes, we all realize that. But Texas Rangers fans were being collectively talked off high ledges on Saturday morning when news broke that Darvish would likely need Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament, and at the least would miss four months if he chose the rest and rehab route.

First off, let's get this out of the way: Darvish should have the surgery. He should have it today. The longer he waits, the longer he delays the inevitable and further delays his return.

Now, let's get to the reality of the 2015 season — a gut punch of the highest order that makes Derek Holland's spill down the stairs seem elementary.

Darvish is the star of the Rangers, and that's coming from an unabashed admirer of Adrian Beltre.

Last year when the Rangers were in last place, the yard would draw a big crowd on a night when Darvish was pitching because you never know when the dude's going to flirt with a no-hitter or a perfect game. Now, that draw is gone if things turn sour again this year.

The Rangers rotation appeared to be perhaps the best in the tough AL West, and was definitely the second best with Seattle being the only challenge. Now, who knows where it falls with Holland as the team's ace?

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The Rangers can still compete without Darvish, but any chance at a special season (if there was a chance) seems to be long gone along with Darvish's elbow.

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