Cubs' Darvish optimistic about return after latest bullpen session

Yu Darvish could return to the Chicago Cubs' rotation soon after missing more than two months due to triceps and elbow injuries.

Following a 55-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, Darvish said he's pain-free and "very optimistic" about returning sometime this season.

"All my pitches, velocity-wise, were up there at their highest and then I was able to follow through with my arm," he said through a translator, according to ESPN.

The next step in his recovery will be a simulated game against live batters.

Darvish said the pain started to fade after receiving treatment on his back.

"Treatment-wise, I switched from treating the elbow to the spine, the back, and that triggered a more positive level," he said. "Everything up until that point there was pain and discomfort involved. I was just trying to see alternatives."

This is a good sign for the Cubs, as Darvish was consistently experiencing pain that caused setbacks to his throwing program.

Darvish is 1-3 with a 4.95 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 40 innings in his first season of a six-year, $126-million contract with Chicago.