Derek Holland wanted to be back on a big-league mound by June 1 after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee that resulted from him tripping over his dog and falling down stairs back in January. That, obviously, didn't happen.
The team's timeline for their projected No. 2 starter's return all along was soon after the all-star break. Now, it seems like that could be in jeopardy, as well.
Holland was scheduled to participate in pitcher's fielding practice prior to Monday's game in Arlington with the hopes of it going well enough to be able to go out on a rehab assignment and be back by early July. After the drills, the Rangers' staff decided he wasn't ready yet, so instead he'll head to Arizona for two weeks to continue strengthening his knee and throwing bullpen sessions.
“I guess it just wasn’t as good,” Holland told reporters. “It was their opinion. I’m going to go by them. They want to make sure everything is right. I do, too. I want it to be a one-time thing. I don’t want this to be a thing that I have to go back on the DL. I want to get it right the first time.”
Manager Ron Washington refused to freak out, saying Holland will still be on schedule, but that's hard to believe. You'd think Holland would need at least four rehab starts, considering he didn't have a spring training. If he began that assignment on June 24, it would put him back shortly after the break, which runs July 14-17, but if there's any further delay it could put Holland back in the mix closer to August.
“Our projection was after the All-Star break, so no need to be getting excited right now,” Washington said. “It’s better. He’s able to move around, but he’s not ready for competition.”
