After delivering what many believe to be his best start in Boston on Saturday, 23 year-old lefty Derek Holland looks to be heading back to the bullpen.
Matt Harrison, who has been on the disabled list with inflammation of his right shoulder, made a rehab stint on Friday, allowing three hits and a run over three innings; Holland, who replaced Harrison in the rotation, will likely be moved to the bullpen when the latter is activated.
Currently, this seems likely to happen on Thursday, as Texas finishes up a four-game set with Toronto at home; Holland is currently scheduled to make that start but, pending a meeting between Harrison and coaches on Monday, this could change.
Holland, who was initially called to the rotation to replace Vicente Padilla, remained in the rotation due to the injury to Harrison. He went 4 2/3 innings on Saturday, surrendering four runs on six hits while walking two.
Holland is now 1-3 at the Major League level with a 6.54 ERA.
While some have argued that Holland would be better served as a starter in the minor leagues, it appears that he will remain with the club in a long-relief-type role.
Manager Ron Washington cited the team’s need for effective long relief when commenting on the situation after Texas’ 6-3 win in Boston on Sunday.
"I can't see both of them in there," Washington said, referring to the Rangers’ rotation. "If that's the case, then we would need some help in the bullpen. Holland certainly gives us that length in the bullpen."
At least that much is true. Reliever Kris Benson, who has been used primarily for mop-up duty of late, has yet to go more than an inning in any appearance in 2009 without giving up at least a run. His ERA, after another unimpressive performance on Saturday, is 8.46.
