Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish has been scratched from his scheduled start in Monday's season opener because of stiffness in his neck.
The announcement Tuesday came a day after Darvish stopped throwing while playing catch.
Through his interpreter, Darvish said he knew he wasn't going to be ready to pitch the opener at home against Philadelphia , so he made the decision now.
Darvish was initially scratched from a spring training start Friday. He said then that he had stiffness in his neck that he felt after waking up one morning.
Darvish is scheduled to return to Texas to be examined by spine and back specialist Dr. Drew Dossett.
The Rangers haven't said who will start the opener in Darvish's place. The likely possibility is left-hander Martin Perez.