Projecting when Derek Holland will return

Sep 18, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) reacts in the dugout after he gave up 2 runs during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Derek Holland is getting a bit closer to returning.  Holland is very eager to return to the mound, but the Rangers are not going to rush him back any time soon.

When the injury first happened, the Rangers had him on a time table to return after the All-star break.  Derek Holland’s goal ever since surgery has been to be back in June.  So far it appears through his hard work and determination he’ll do that.

After his last check up, it showed his knee strength still wasn’t 100%.  Holland should be able to start rehab assignments in about 2 weeks.  If it was up to Holland it would be sooner.  He commented on his return to the media during the recent series against the Minnesota Twins.

"“Everything was much more improved,” Holland said. “The next step is still up to them. I don’t have a say. There’s still some things that we have to take care of. This is coming from me, but I’m hoping after this road trip and the next homestand I can get out of here. I’m trying to push for sooner.” (Star Telegram – Jeff Wilson)"

If he is able to start his rehab assignments in two weeks, the it is possible that he’ll be back in the Texas Rangers rotation as early as the first week of July.  If he struggles a bit during his rehab, that will likely push him back to late-July.  Which does make sense because the All-star game is on July 15 and teams will be on break from July 14-17.  Also, during that time, the triple-A Round Rock Express will also be on break.

When will Derek Holland make his 2014 season debut, it is possible he’ll make his first start before the All-star break in early July.  There are a lot of ifs though, if he can start to rehab in 2 weeks, and if those rehabs go well and if he doesn’t have any setbacks.  With all of those ifs, it seems likely he could likely make his first Rangers start in late-July.

The Rangers do need him back in the rotation as soon as possible, but only when both the Rangers and Holland think he’s ready.  If the Texas Rangers are in a playoff race, they’ll need him to be healthy in August and September for the final push.

When Holland does come back, it will fill a huge hole that has been left with the injuries to Matt Harrison and Martin Perez.