Derek Holland Update

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

Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Derek Holland threw a bull pen session for the first time since having knee surgery in January according to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas. Holland threw 25 pitches off of a mound and reported no problems. Derek Holland feels that he is ahead of schedule right now on his recovery.

Derek Holland is not projected to return to the Texas Rangers lineup until late June or early July, but he thinks he can make it back sooner. He is now in Arizona to work on his rehab and get back to the pitcher that he was. My feeling is that Derek will get back to his former self and not a moment too soon. We all saw what happened with Tanner Scheppers on opening day, and then what happened to Joe Saunders last night, even before he took a ball off of his foot. The Texas Rangers need pitching help, and Derek Holland could be just the guy to provide it at a time in the season where everyone else will be getting a little tired, especially the new guys. I expect Derek to work hard. We all know he can be a bit of a goof ball, but he takes baseball very seriously and I very much expect him to get back as fast as he feels he can. We will update as Derek Holland progresses.