Epstein knows to count on Darvish would be foolish

Theo Epstein brought the heat Sunday, throwing the verbal equivalent of a 100-mph fastball Yu Darvish's way before the Cubs concluded their five-game series against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.

In the middle of a pregame chat with reporters about what he might be looking to do at the July 31 trade deadline, Epstein said it wouldn't be very smart of him to rely on a pitcher who hasn't started since May 20 and has a 4.95 ERA when he has been on the mound.

"You can't be overly reliant on somebody who hasn't been able to be healthy and perform this year," the Cubs' GM said.

Darvish, on the DL since May 26 with triceps tendinitis, was able to throw from 135 feet before Sunday's game. That's a step in the right direction, considering Darvish's last session came on July 9 - and that was just some light tossing.

"You track the rehab closely because you try to anticipate what he might be able to give you," said Epstein, who believes Darvish will be able to throw off a mound soon. "Today was his best day in a long time. He threw really well and felt really good."

A second later, though, Epstein pumped the brakes again and reiterated his first comment.

"If you put yourself in a position where you're overly reliant on something that hasn't been dependable up to this point and it doesn't come through, it's probably more on you than the fates," Epstein said.

Darvish was 56-42 with a 3.42 ERA before signing a six-year, $126 million deal this past off-season. He allowed 5 runs in 4.1 innings in his Cubs debut then rebounded with a great outing against Milwaukee a week later, but he failed to get out of the fifth inning in 4 of his next 5 starts.

Epstein doubts he'll make any major moves in the next week, saying the Cubs are in "a more difficult position to do so. I don't think it's impossible, but certain years lend themselves to being able to participate in more hands.

"Whether it's because of the way your prospects are performing or because of your desire to keep growing the farm system or the nature of what's available or what you need - you have to be more selective.

"And that's fine. Sometimes those end up being the best deals."

Epstein would like to solidify the bullpen with a move or two similar to the one he made Friday when he acquired Jesse Chavez (3.34 ERA in 32 appearances) from the Rangers.

"We think he's a really good fit for us," Epstein said. "Kind of what we'll be looking to do in the future."