After Roy Oswalt held the Rockies to one run over 6 2/3 innings in his Rangers’ debut on Friday, the AL West-leaders are close to getting another boost for their starting rotation.
T.R Sullivan of MLB.com reports that Derek Holland is scheduled to make his first minor league rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Round Rock.
Holland, who was placed on the disabled list earlier this month due to shoulder fatigue and a stomach virus, is scheduled to throw around 50 pitches in his first start back. The young southpaw is expected to make a second rehab start next Monday, which would set up a potential return next Saturday against the Twins. It’s possible the Rangers could give him a third rehab start, would would push back his return until right after the All-Star break.
Holland, who signed a five-year, $28.5 million extension with the Rangers in February, has a disappointing 5.10 ERA and 59/24 K/BB ratio in 67 innings this season. His velocity was down a bit prior to landing on the disabled list, a by-product of his stomach virus. However, he has regained his strength during his three-week absence.
