Baseball notes: Players concerned about Puerto Rico trip

Players from the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates have expressed concerns about their two-game series next month in Puerto Rico because of the Zika virus.

Officials with Major League Baseball, the Marlins and Pirates expect the games to be played as scheduled May 30-31, they said Thursday. But the teams, MLB and the players’ union are continuing discussions about the series, and union head Tony Clark described the health and safety concerns as serious.

“We recognize the importance of the trip,” Marlins pitcher Craig Breslow said. “But at the same time, our health and the health of our families is paramount.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is in contact with the union about the issue.

Clark said the union is gathering as much information as possible from top scientific experts.

Darvish close

Texas Rangers ace Yu Darvish is close to throwing in a game for the first time since his elbow surgery last year. Darvish threw 47 pitches Thursday in his third session on the mound for live batting practice.

The next step in his rehab could be pitching in a game for double-A Frisco next Tuesday night. The right-hander said he felt good but wanted to think about it before deciding if he will be ready.

Darvish hasn’t pitched in a game since Aug. 9, 2014. He had Tommy John surgery in March 2015 after one spring training start.