Fansided

Texas Rangers’ Derek Holland likely to start now-meaningful game

By Ed Carroll

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
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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

In a game that suddenly matters, at least for one team, the Texas Rangers will likely start Derek Holland today against the Oakland Athletics, despite Holland suffering from migraines recently. Holland was scratched from Saturday’s start with migranes, but is apparently feeling better today. The game matters now because the Seattle Mariners won last night and Oakland lost, meaning Oakland needs a win (or a Seattle loss) to make the playoffs, and Holland is likely the most capable starter on a Rangers staff decimated by injuries.

More from MLB

The Rangers are scheduled to start Nick Martinez today, but interim manager Tim Bogar apparently doesn’t want to give the A’s a cakewalk to the Wild Card game, and Oakland left the ballpark last night expecting to face Holland today. Oakland needs to win to ensure it avoids a historic collapse. On August 16, Oakland held the best record in MLB, but little more than a month later, the A’s need a win to secure the fifth-best record in baseball, and avoid a one-game playoff against the Mariners for the right to head to the do-or-die Wild Card game.

Holland has only made five starts this season, after suffering an offseason knee injury, and Texas has little to play for other than annoying the Athletics. Still, in Holland’s five starts, he has a 1.31 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and he’s been worth 1.3 fWAR to the Rangers for September alone. We’ll see if he becomes a name Oakland fans love to hate after today’s start.

More from FanSided.com

Seattle Mariners keep playoff hopes alive with walk-off win (Video)
Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez back in ERA race?
Yoenis Cespedes not sure he wants long-term deal with Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Indians set MLB strikeout record
Cincinnati Reds officially extend GM Walt Jocketty

Home/MLB