Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Yu Darvish announced Tuesday he will not pitch for Japan in the next spring’s World Baseball Classic.
Darvish said in a statement released by the Rangers he made the decision based on the increased pitching workload he has faced since moving to Major League Baseball last season.
“Given my substantial workload over the last few seasons and the numerous changes I’ve endured in my move to the United States, I have decided with my team of advisors that getting ample rest is the most important thing for me right now as I prepare for the 2013 season. My ultimate goal is to help win a World Series with the Texas Rangers and to share that accomplishment with the great baseball fans in Japan. I look forward to next season and am excited about our chances of winning.”
Darvish threw 191 1/3 innings this season, his first in MLB. He went 16-9 with 221 strikeouts.