Darvish does well in simulated game; rehab start is next step

CHICAGO — Yu Darvish’s simulated game went according to plan Tuesday morning and president Theo Epstein confirmed a rehab start will be the next step.

“Maybe the best spin of the year,” Epstein said.

Darvish said he thought he needed only one rehab start last time, before shutting down again with elbow inflammation.

“It’s been a long road back, so there’s no point in rushing it now,” Epstein said. “We probably have one chance, given where we are on the calendar, to get this right. That’s the priority.”

INDIANS: Cleveland placed right-hander Trevor Bauer on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday

with a small stress fracture in his right leg.

RED SOX: Boston activated Blake Swihart off the 10-day disabled list and designated Dan Butler for assignment.

Swihart, a Cleveland High alumnus, has been sidelined since Aug. 2, when he was removed from a game with left hamstring tightness.

TRADE: The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired minor league pitcher Shane Baz from Pittsburgh as the player to be named in the July 31 trade that sent Chris Archer to the Pirates.

… The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired once-promising pitching prospect Jake Thompson from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs.