Derek Holland threw nine pitches back on April 10 before he exited after one inning, in which he allowed a run, with a shoulder strain.
Just like that, the Rangers' de facto ace with Yu Darvish sidelined for the year, was out indefinitely and it appeared all hope was lost for a rebound season after the disastrous 2014 year the Rangers suffered through.
Now, more than four months later, Holland is set to make his return to a big-league mound and do it for a team that is shockingly right in the thick of the playoff hunt, whether it be in the AL West or in the AL Wild Card.
Holland wasn't great during his four rehab starts, but he threw a bullpen session on Sunday and several local reports said as long as he felt good on Monday he'd be in line to start Wednesday's day game against the Seattle Mariners.
Holland's fastball has been reported as being ready to go, hitting 95 mph at times, but his off-speed stuff has been up and down. Even still, Holland said he's ready to go, and it appears the club finally agrees.
“I’m ready,” Holland told The Dallas Morning News. “It’s their decision, but I know I’m ready.”
