Source: MLB not investigating Rangers’ Yu Darvish for gambling

Major League Baseball is following its standard protocol as it looks into a gambling case involving the brother of Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish, but a baseball source said the idea that Darvish himself is being investigated is “untrue.”

A story Tuesday in The Japan Times said that Darvish is being investigated for possibly giving his brother, Sho, information that could have affected his bookmaking operation and potentially benefited Darvish financially.

Sho Darvish was arrested in October in Japan, accused of operating an illegal gambling ring that took bets on major league games. Yu Darvish, the story alleges, could have provided his brother with information about the health of certain players or other tips that could affect the outcome of games.

“I am not and have never been involved with gambling activities,” Darvish said in a statement released by his agents at the Wasserman Media Group.

“While I understand that Major League Baseball must conduct an investigation, I am certain that they will find that I had no involvement in this matter whatsoever. I will not comment on this matter again out of respect for Major League Baseball’s investigation, and I am focused on preparing for the upcoming season.”

But the source said that MLB was looking into the matter only as it pertained to Sho Darvish.

“The idea that anything is specific to Yu Darvish is untrue,” the source said.

The Rangers, a second source said, are not concerned that Darvish is facing any punishment that would affect his availability in 2016 once he is deemed healthy after Tommy John surgery 10 months ago.

General manager Jon Daniels on Monday said that Darvish remains on schedule to return as early as mid-May, though late May is more likely as the Rangers take a cautious approach.

Darvish did not throw for six weeks late last year in Japan but resumed his throwing program at 60 feet once he returned to Arlington earlier this month.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Source: MLB not investigating Rangers’ Yu Darvish for gambling."