Derek Holland has surgery, Tanaka now a must sign?

Sep 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) delivers a pitch to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Holland will miss at least the first half of the season due to knee surgery that took place this past Tuesday.

Holland fell at his home Tuesday. Had surgery today.
— Anthony Andro (@aandro) January 10, 2014

This isn’t good news for the Texas Rangers who’s starting rotation is already in question. With the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes coming to a close, it would seem that now they should make a play at signing the Japanese pitcher.

But, from Jon Daniels it appears they still do not have him as a top priority.

Cartilage damage....no ligaments....rangers will add depth...Daniels said Rangers don't expect to add front lune starter thru free agency
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) January 10, 2014

Without Derek Holland, the starting rotation only has a few players they can depend on. Such as Yu Darvish, Martin Perez and Alexi Ogando. They are hoping that Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis will be key impact players in 2014, but as we say in 2013, injuries kept them sidelined.

If the Texas Rangers do not sign Masahiro Tanaka, they might be looking at having Nick Tepesch or even promoting Wilmer Font to a starting pitcher.

It was reported earlier that Wilmer Font could be a mid-season call-up. With the Derek Holland injury, he might be called up as soon as opening day.

In my opinion, the Texas Rangers should make a strong bid to sign Masahiro Tanaka. If they don’t then Wilmer Font will be a good replacement for Holland until he is able to return.

Home/Texas Rangers News