Fansided

Each MLB team’s most surprising player from April

By Joshua Sadlock

Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Eric Thames (7) hits a double to drive in two runs in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Greg Holland (56) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Greg Holland (56) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Colorado Rockies: Greg Holland

When Greg Holland struggled in 2015 with the Kansas City Royals, it was evident that something was not right with his arm. The two-time All-Star would eventually require Tommy John, and missed the entire 2016 season while rehabbing. Entering the 2017 season, there were very real questions about his ability to bounce back and handle closing for an MLB team.

After April, it is safe to say that Holland has put any concerns about his elbow’s ability to hold up to the rigors of closing to rest. He has converted his first 11 saves for the Rockies, and has allowed only two earned runs. Holland has lost a tick on his fastball, but can still touch 95 if he has to. His slider has remained at 85-87 with great movement. The slider is still the strikeout pitch for Holland.

If Holland has lost anything after a year away from baseball recovering from surgery, it has been difficult to pick up. His strikeout totals are slightly down for now, but he is getting more whiffs on his fastball this season than in 2014 when he struck out 13.0 per nine. He is getting fewer whiffs on his slider, but it is still a very difficult pitch for hitters to square up. The Rockies have been searching for a closer like this for years — one with the right combination of power stuff and strike-throwing ability — who can succeed in Coors Field. Their gamble on Greg Holland coming off surgery is paying off in a big way.

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