Padilla May Return Next Tuesday

On Tuesday, Vicente Padilla threw on flat ground without pain or discomfort, from distances up to 120 feet, encouraging the Texas staff, including pitching coach Mike Maddux.
 
Maddux said that Padilla could return as early as next Tuesday, when the Rangers head to the Bronx to take on the Yankees.
 
Derek Holland, who is scheduled to start on Wednesday against New York in Arlington, will likely be relegated back to the bullpen.
 
The 22 year-old was originally called to the rotation to replace Padilla, who has been on the disabled list since last week with a strained right shoulder.
 
In his only start, against Houston on Friday, Holland surrendered three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched.
 
Padilla will throw a bullpen session on Friday and, if all goes well, he will make the start in the Bronx on Tuesday.
 
Holland could make things interesting, though, if he impresses against the red-hot Yankees lineup on Wednesday in Arlington.
 
Vicente Padilla is currently 3-2 with a 4.71 ERA in 2009.