When Yu Darvish was surrounded by hordes of reporters and asked whether his condition was developing favorably, the sole answer he gave them was: "I think so."

But at least he didn't say that in a grumpy mood, which is a good sign for the 22-year-old right-handed pitcher who is set to start against China on Thursday on Day 1 of the World Baseball Classic.

Darvish tossed 52 pitches in the bullpen on Tuesday at an indoor facility at Jingu Gaien in Tokyo, and was seemingly able to practice to his satisfaction.