SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) – Yu Darvish has been scratched from his scheduled spring training start Monday night for the Texas Rangers because of stiffness in his neck.

Darvish said in a statement that the move is “just precautionary” and that he would have made the start in the regular season.

The Japanese ace said he felt what he called a very mild strain in his neck during a workout Sunday that caused the stiffness.

In his first three appearances this spring for the Rangers, Darvish has allowed only one run with 10 strikeouts in 8 2-3 innings.

Derek Lowe, who agreed to a minor-league deal with Texas two weeks ago, was set to start in Darvish’s spot against Kansas City.

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