Derek Holland has been phenomenal since his return from a shoulder strain suffered in his first start of the season, a start that lasted just nine pitches and one inning way back on April 10.
In his four starts since his return from the 60-day disabled list — a four-month layoff — Holland has been the best pitcher on the Rangers' staff and has put them over the top along with the trade for Cole Hamels to being possibly the best rotation among contending teams in the American League.
In those four starts, he's 3-0 with a 2.15 ERA, and that includes an outing against Toronto in which he allowed four runs in six innings. In his last two starts, he's tossed a complete-game shutout and another game of eight innings with one run allowed.
Now, he'll face a team that he's had great success against over the course of his career as he takes the hill Thursday afternoon against the Seattle Mariners. In his 15 career starts against the M's, Holland has a 10-2 record with a 2.94 ERA with 103 strikeouts and 29 walks.
To make matters even better for Holland, he's facing the Mariners in Seattle, a park he absolutely loves to pitch in.
In his four career starts at Safeco Field, Holland is 3-0 with a 1.39 ERA and one shutout.
Of course, he'll have his work cut out for him as he tries to pitch with Felix Hernandez and keep the Mariners off the board with the hope his offense can scratch a few runs off Hernandez, but the Rangers have to feel good about the guy they have on the mound.
