Holland feels good after first rehab start

By foxsports
Published

ARLINGTON, Texas — Derek Holland came through his first rehab start since going on the disabled list with left shoulder fatigue without any issues.

Holland threw 39 pitches in three innings and is slated to make another Monday. Rangers manager Ron Washington said he'd like Holland to make a third start but that could change based on the team's need at the big-league level.

Holland, who is working out with the Rangers again, said he felt fine the day after his start.

"I knew I was going to feel pretty good going out there," said Holland. "The main thing was just to go out there and compete. I just wanted to get myself prepared and get ready for being back up here. I feel great."

Holland has regained about eight of the pounds he lost due to a virus that led to the shoulder fatigue. He's been on the disabled list since June 7.

Focus has been key

The Rangers have reeled off six-consecutive victories in series and are 18 games over .500 for the first time this season. Texas has been able to win 14 of 18 games despite having 60 percent of its Opening Day rotation on the disabled list and an offense that's been erratic in June.

So what's been the secret to the Texas success?

"I think it's focus," Washington said. "We know there's a lot of baseball to be played. Some days you just have to go out there with what you have. If you can stay in those simple terms of thinking, you never try to do too much. Our pitching has been keeping us around. It looks like our offense is trying to come back around. They're good at being focused on what's in front of them today."

Still TBA

The Rangers still haven't announced who will start Saturday's game against Oakland.

Washington said the decision could come later tonight or Friday and it may depend on how the Rangers have to use their bullpen tonight.

Martin Perez, Justin Grimm and Michael Kirkman are all possibilities. Perez pitched 2/3 of an inning in his major-league debut Wednesday. Grimm started Monday's game but lasted just one inning. Kirkman pitched five innings of relief in that Monday game and hasn't pitched since then.