Yu Darvish's agent doesn't like it when you refer to his injured client as a "clubhouse distraction," even when it's former MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez doing the talking.

Joel Wolfe called out A-Rod for questioning the Chicago Cubs right-hander's heart and commitment during last week's telecast of "Sunday Night Baseball." Rodriguez suggested Darvish's inability to get back on the field could result in the clubhouse losing respect for him.

"I think it was classless and bordered on unprofessional to take a little nugget of somewhat exaggerated information from one person that maybe he had history with and turning that into a spokesman for the entire team," Wolfe told The Athletic's Patrick Mooney.

Darvish, who signed a 6-year, $126-million contract with the Cubs prior to the season, has not played since May 20 due to an elbow impingement and inflammation. He has remained with the team despite the injury, which is enough evidence for Wolfe that his commitment is true.

"During A-Rod's absurd comments, the video shows that Darvish was right there on the top step in the dugout cheering on his teammates, which is what you want from somebody like that. He wasn't hiding out in Mesa at the spring-training complex or back home like A-Rod was when he was suspended."

The 31-year-old has begun throwing light bullpen sessions, though he remains without a timetable for his return. Darvish, his teammates, and his agent remain optimistic.

"We all have positive thoughts," Wolfe said. "We hope that he continues to progress and that he's out there pitching for the Cubs. That's what he wants to do. He's not trying to be hurt. He wants to get back out there. But apparently A-Rod is both a doctor and a sports psychologist and the clubhouse insider for the Cubs. He's a jack-of-all-trades."