Derek Holland knee to be checked Monday

Sep 23, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (right) and catcher A.J. Pierzynski (left) congratulate each other after their win against the a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Holland pitched nine innings of shut-out baseball beating the Astros 12-0. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland is another step closer to returning to the starting rotation.  On Friday Holland and gave an update on his knee injury.

Holland said he’ll be pitching a bullpen session Sunday then do some pitcher’s fielding practice on Monday.  Also, he is scheduled to have his knee looked at by the doctor on Monday to ensure he’s ready to the next step in his rehab.

If things go well on Monday, Holland could likely start increasing his pitching activities to prepare himself for a rehab assignment in the minors.

On that time table, he should be able to make a couple of starts in the minors before the All-Star break and likely return to the starting rotation around mid-July.

If the Texas Rangers are serious about being contenders for a playoff spot, then having Derek Holland back is a big deal.  Right now they are only a 1.5 games back for the last Wild Card spot.  But, there have been rumors the Rangers could be sellers at the trade deadline.

If they can stay close in the race until Holland comes back, that might be enough for them to either hold on to what they have or go looking for that missing piece.  Even if they do go looking for a missing piece, don’t expect anything big.  The Rangers are not rushing Holland by any means.  Holland wants to be back before the All-star break, but with the rash of injuries to the staff this season, there is no way they’ll bring him back until they think with a 100% he’s ready.