Derek Holland could begin a rehab assignment soon - MLB

Derek Holland, working his way back from microfracture surgery on his left knee, could begin a rehab assignment in the coming days if Monday’s workout goes swimmingly, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. The Rangers have been cautious with the rate at which they bring Holland along, but he seems to be on a good trajectory now.

Holland suffered the injury in January when he tripped over his dog on the stairs in his home. It was the start of an injury plague that would ravage the Rangers — Holland is presently one of 12 Rangers on the disabled list. If things go as planned, however, Holland could rejoin the team towards the end of the month or at the beginning of July.

Holland stood out last season after finishing with a 3.42 ERA with a career-best 189/64 K/BB ratio in 213 innings over 33 starts.

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ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas is sticking with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander signed a three-year, $55.75 million contract on Friday that will carry through the 2025 season.

The new deal replaces a $68 million, four-year contract signed in February 2019 that covered the 2020-23 seasons and was set to pay $15.75 million this year.

Mikolas will receive a $5 million signing bonus payable July 1 and will make $18.75 million in 2023 and $16 million in each of the following two seasons. Mikolas can earn a $250,000 bonus for winning a Cy Young Award, $50,000 for All-Star election or selection or winning a Gold Glove, $100,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $150,000 for World Series MVP.

Mikolas is scheduled to make the second opening-day start of his big league career next Thursday when the Cardinals host Toronto. Mikolas went 12-13 with a 3.29 ERA last season while helping St. Louis to the NL Central title.

“Miles stands among the top pitchers in the game today, and has continued to provide a steady presence for us both in the rotation and inside the clubhouse,” St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement.

Mikolas is 45-40 with a 3.79 in 143 games with San Diego, Texas and St. Louis. He recently pitched six shutout innings in two appearances for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic.