Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters star pitcher Yu Darvish was removed from the active roster on Wednesday because of discomfort in his throwing shoulder and lower back, the team's chief trainer Seiichiro Nakagaki said.
Darvish, 23, could return to the Pacific League leaders' active roster as early as Oct.3 but it is still unclear whether he will be ready to pitch in the Fighters' rotation in the shortest possible period.
"He has had fatigue building up in his left groin area and as a result the strain in the left lower back has gotten more pronounced. He also continues to have fatigue in his shoulder," said Nakagaki, adding that Darvish will travel with the team and begin workouts.
"Supposing that my start in the rotation will come around at an important time, I want to prepare myself in workouts to be in top condition," Darvish said.