Derek Holland has been itching to get back to a big-league mound since undergoing microfracture knee surgery in January. He originally predicted he'd be back with the Rangers by June 1, which is long-gone, and the Rangers have said all along he'd be back after the all-star break.
If all goes as planed, the Rangers' original prognosis will be spot-on.
Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) tweeted early Monday evening that he was heading back to DFW from Arizona, where he's been working out at the Rangers' spring training facility trying to strengthen his knee to be able to field effectively and with confidence that he won't re-injure the knee.
Good bye Arizona it's been real it's been fun but it's time to head back to Texas and get this ball rolling !!!!!!! — Derek Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) June 23, 2014
It's likely been a hard process for Holland because his arm is fine, and he's felt he's been ready to return for quite some time now even though the Rangers' coaches and medical staff felt otherwise after watching him take infield a couple of weeks ago at Globe Life Park prior to a game.
The Rangers will obviously be very happy to get Holland back on the mound. Unfortunately, the season might already be over in regards to contending for a postseason berth.
