Derek Holland to rejoin Texas Rangers’ rotation in late August

By Jake Misener | Jul 18, 2014

Sep 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) delivers a pitch to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

With the team wallowing in the standings, sitting at 38-57 – some 21 games back of the division-leading Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels is in no hurry to bring back left-hander Derek Holland, who has missed all of this season after undergoing offseason knee surgery. Daniels admitted to MLB.com that the team’s performance impacted his timetable for the young southpaw’s return.

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"“If we were where we normally are and hope to be, in a pennant race, he could be active right now. The leg is structurally sound, just the muscles around it aren’t quite as strong as they will be eventually.”"

Last season was a career year for Holland, going 10-9 with a 3.42 ERA and 189 strikeouts for the Rangers. His best year, though, statistically-speaking, came back in 2011, when he won 16 games and lost only five. However, his earned run average was nearly half a run higher than in 2013. Heading into the 2014 campaign, Holland was expected to be a big part of the Rangers rotation behind ace Yu Darvish, who also battled injuries late in the season’s first half.

"“We, obviously, have been hurt by the injuries, that much is clear,” Daniels said. “If we had stayed healthy, I believe this club could have contended. That being said, it’s more than just the injuries. The group that we have is capable of playing better than we have been, and I think they will. I think we are capable of playing a better brand of baseball.”"

As far as things for Holland, who is under contract for three more years including two years of options, go – it appears the Rangers are more focused on his long-term contributions to the team’s success, given the fact that division rivals in Oakland and Los Angeles are flirting with 20 games over .500 and show no signs of slowing up anytime soon.

"“He has worked out so hard to come back. I think there is some benefit to him from a mental standpoint to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Daniels said. “The medical staff feels like the leg is at a point where he can start to build up. If he has any issues or setbacks, we will shut him down. But if there aren’t any setbacks, I would expect to see him pitch late in the season for us."

In his career, Holland, 28, is 49-38 with a 4.36 earned run average in 782 innings of work – the overwhelming majority of which came as a starter. He pitched a career-high 213 innings in 2013.