Derek Holland Interview After His Final Rehab Start

Round Rock, Tex. — Derek Holland earned the win for Round Rock Express (AAA) Thursday night in his final rehab start. Holland was originally scheduled to start on the 24th, but was scratched from that game due to back spasms and had not pitched since August 19 (5.0 IP/2 ER).

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Derek Holland threw 98 pitches in last night’s game and finished with a pitch line of 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, 2HR.

I was fortunate enough to have Michael Owen ask Holland a few questions for me after the game. Here is what Derek Holland had to say about his latest outing, how he feels and what it means to be back with the Texas Rangers.

Michael Owen: How did you feel out on the mound tonight?
Derek Holland: I felt good. The big thing was just to test my back, make sure everything was ok with that. I felt good. And from there just continue to pound the zone. Just get myself ready. Making sure I’m ready to get back and make sure I’m ready to go.

MO: Have you had anymore spasms in your back?
DH: No, not at all.

MO: How is the knee?
DH: Knee is good. Everything is fine. Today I showed [that by] getting the ball off the mound and running over to first. Everything was pretty much normal is how I felt.

MO: How did you feel about your outing tonight?
DH: I gave up a couple big hits, but overall you know I felt like I did a good job of attacking the zone and mixing up my pitches when I needed to. Making sure I didn’t have any big innings. But overall its good, I kept my defense on their toes and they made the plays for me.

MO: How much does it mean to you to make it back to the big league club before the season ends?
DH: Its huge you know. This is what I’ve been working for. I want to show people I can get back up there. I want to show that I’m ready to go. I’ve been working my butt off to get back there. Whether the season has been good or not my main focus is it get back and be with the team.

MO: How hard has it been to watch from the sidelines?
DH: Frustrating because I can’t be part of it. Like I said, whether we’re going to struggle or not do good I want to make sure I’m a part of that. Whether it’s good or bad we’re a team and I want to feel like I’m a part of that.

MO: What are you most looking forward to when you return to the Texas Rangers?
DH: Just being a part of the team. I just want to feel like I’m there with these guys, whether we win or lose I want to be a part of it.

The Texas Rangers announced today that Derek Holland will indeed be back with team. He will join the Rangers in Houston tonight and is slated to make his first 2014 start on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals.

I’m excited to see Holland back on the mound and in big league action. I think with his personality and desire to be back with the team will have a positive impact in the clubhouse.

I want to thank Michael Owen for asking Derek Holland a few questions on my behalf, I am extremely grateful.

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