Yu Darvish on verge of first winless month despite great pitching

ARLINGTON — Yu Darvish hasn’t won in more than six weeks. It’s the longest winless drought of his career, and he’s in jeopardy of having his first winless month in his brief major-league career.

It’s hardly his fault, though. Darvish has gone 0-2 with a 2.93 ERA over his last seven outings, posting four quality starts. But the Rangers have won only once in those last seven starts, as the offense simply hasn’t provided much support.

“It doesn’t really weigh on my mind,” Darvish said through a translator. “There are some games I can shut them out and still not win the game. It’s something I cannot control and I have to pitch my game every inning that I pitch.”

Darvish had a rough outing his last start in New York on Tuesday, allowing a career-high three home runs and giving up a two-run lead. He showed obvious frustration on the mound, and manager Ron Washington said afterward that Darvish needed to make some adjustments.

Darvish met with pitching coach Mike Maddux about it, but didn’t reveal any potential adjustments he might make. He shot down the notion that he might have to use his fastball more.

“I don’t really have to,” Darvish said. “I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m going to keep making adjustments depending on the opponent.”

Darvish went on to talk about his chances of making the American League All-Star team a second consecutive season, saying the winless drought could make it more difficult. But he still leads the league — and majors — in strikeouts (143), is ninth in ERA (2.95) and 11th in wins (seven).

“It’ll be good either way,” Darvish said. “If I don’t get selected, I will be able to have some rest. If I get selected, I’ll be able to play with the greatest players in baseball.”

via Rangers notes: Yu Darvish on verge of first winless month | Texas Rangers | Texas Rangers New….