Since Saturday morning when we all learned the 2015 Texas Rangers season will most likely happen without a start from ace Yu Darvish, it was basically assumed that Derek Holland would be elevated to the Rangers' No. 1 pitcher. That made sense considering he was seen previously as the No. 2 starter behind Darvish and in front of newly acquired Yovani Gallardo.
But a look at the spring schedule and with Opening Day coming on April 6 in Oakland, it seems pretty likely the Rangers' Opening Day starter could be none other than Gallardo, as The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant pointed out Tuesday.
As Grant pointed out, if Gallardo pitches every fifth day from here on out (he's scheduled to start again Wednesday) it would put him in line to pitch on April 6 on four or even five days of rest. He also was the Brewers' Opening Day starter for the past five seasons, going 1-2 with a 4.55 ERA with three quality starts.
Also, keep in mind, Holland has yet to make a spring start after he dealt with shoulder soreness in the opening days of spring training, so he could be a couple of starts behind Gallardo in terms of preparation.
It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, as Gallardo is an established veteran — much different than the Opening Day starter a year ago (Tanner Scheppers).
