Texas Rangers injury update – Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and more

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The Texas Rangers kick off spring training today with the arrival of pitchers and catchers reporting.  Several of the pitchers have already started workouts.  Here are a few updates on some of the injuries to the pitching staff.

Joseph Ortiz

May 24, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Texas Rangers manager

Ron Washington

(left) pulls relief pitcher

Joe Ortiz

(58) from the game during the 9th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Texas defeated Seattle 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Ortiz was injured at the end of January while in his home country of Venezuela when he was struck by a motorcycle.  The accident fractured his left foot and he’ll be out for about 3 months.  Recently, the Rangers moved Ortiz off the 40 man roster to the 60-day disabled list to make room for pitcher Hanson.

Tommy Hanson

June 20, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitching coach

Mike Butcher

(23) and catcher

Chris Iannetta

(17) meet with starting pitcher Tommy Hanson (48) during the third inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tommy Hanson was the first Ranger to take the mound in a bullpen session for spring training.  He threw 40 pitches during the session.

He has had injuries in the past that has caused his velocity to drop and his ERA to increase.  But, near the end of the season last year, he velocity was picking back up.  Hanson has commented several times he’s feeling better and throwing more like he did back when he was with the Atlanta Braves.

This could be a good acquisition for the Rangers, so far Hanson looks healthy and in the past has been very good.

Colby Lewis

July 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Colby Lewis (48) pitches during the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Lewis has recently started his rehab by throwing some long pitches and some in the bullpen.  Lewis has said this is the best he’s felt in the past 5 years.   He comes into spring training fully recovered an ready to start pitching activities, but the Rangers will be taking it slow with him.  He’ll be doing some fielding and running drills to start off spring training.

Jon Daniels is excited to have Lewis back and is confident he can return at some point this year.

Matt Harrison

Sep 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison (54) in the dugout during the eighth inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark. The Rangers beat the Mariners 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison is another pitcher trying to show he’s fully recovered.  He’s definitively  further along than Lewis and is very likely to return to the Rangers at some point this year.  He has said his back is feeling great, he’s lost some weight and he’s been working out the offseason to get prepared for spring training.  Also, he said he’s ready to move past the workout phase and to get back on the mound.

Harrison was another pitcher that took a bullpen session today, throwing 44 pitches.

Derek Holland

Sep 13, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) looks at the scoreboard during the first inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Holland and his dog Wrigley have added a little bit of concern with the starting rotation.  Due to Holland’s injury, the Texas Rangers have brought on several pitchers, such as Tommy Hanson, in hopes that they’ll be able to pitch in his place.  But it does seem like Harrison might be able to do just that.

The good news is that Holland is progressing very well with his recovery from knee surgery.  Holland is almost off crutches, which is a good sign.  But it is still expected that he’ll miss at least third or half of the season.

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