Derek Holland playing catch

Sep 13, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (left) talks with pitching coach MIke Maddux (center) as catcher A.J. Pierzynski (12) walks to the mound during the game against the Oakland Athletics at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Surprise, Ariz – Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland joined the team this past Saturday.   He recently was able to walk off the crutches and is now at camp working on some throwing by playing catch.  That was reported back on February 21.

Holland isn’t totally up and running yet, he is at camp but he is using a scooter at this point to get around at camp.

More good news is Holland is up and about now and is able to play catch.  Which don’t get me wrong or read too much into it.  I would imagine he is just working to keep form and to stay in shape.  He won’t be throwing off a mound for a few more months.  But this is a promising sign.

Although Holland is at camp and is throwing and playing catch, don’t expect him to return anytime soon.  Estimates still say he’ll miss 1/3 to half of the season.  Holland has set a goal to return by June 1.  So far, he’s been working very hard to make that date, but the Rangers don’t expect him until after the All-star break.

Holland spoke with some of the beat writers this past Saturday and joked he was only staying on the first floor home and avoiding stairs.  It was a bit of a crack on himself after suffering the injury while running up the stairs with his dog Wrigley.