Holland Making Return With Series on the Line

Derek Holland hasn't thrown a pitch for the Rangers since April 10, when he worked exactly one inning in the team's home opener, allowing one run on nine pitches.

After that, he was on the shelf for four months with a subscapular shoulder strain, which required nothing but good ol' R&R to heal.

Holland hasn't had great results in his four rehab starts, but that's not all that important. He feels he's ready, and the club does, too.

Last time we had this late-arriving Holland was just last season, when he missed the first five months of the season before returning in September and pitching lights-out. He posted a 1.46 ERA in his six appearances (five starts) and will look to provide a late boost to the Rangers' staff in the heat of a playoff chase. Last year, there was no pressure on him. This year, there is.

It appears Holland will get somewhat fortunate in that he won't be baking in 100-degree temperatures in a day game. You'd think the club would've maybe tried to have him return in a night game instead of a day game in August, but it appears he'll get lucky in that regard.

If Holland can give the Rangers five good innings on Wednesday, it'll be a plus. Of course, in his first start back last September against the eventual AL champion Royals, he tossed seven innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts and no walks.

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