Rangers notes: Holland homing in as his return approaches

He’s still “champing at the bit,” but he now sees the end on the horizon.

Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland makes his third rehab start Sunday with Double A Frisco at Dr Pepper Ballpark. It’s one of a few final steps, barring a setback, toward returning to the roster.

The process of returning from a strain in his left shoulder that has had him on the disabled list since April 11 has been torture, especially since he’s been pain-free for more than a couple of months.

“It’s hard. I’m trying [to be patient],” Holland said a day after throwing two-plus innings for Triple A Round Rock on Tuesday night. He allowed an earned run on three hits and and three walks in 54 pitches. “I have at least two more rehab starts. I’m gonna try to push after those two to get back here with these guys.”

His pitch count is likely to ramp up to 65-70 pitches Sunday. After his fourth start the Rangers will have to decide whether he needs more time or try to work him into the rotation.

“He’s getting closer,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister. “I know the fastball feels good coming out of his hand. I know he’s champing at the bit to go.”

Holland’s fastball was routinely clocked in the mid-90s Tuesday, but he’s still trying to improve the command of his off-speed pitches. That’s why he went to them exclusively in the third inning before leaving without any outs after hitting his pitch limit.

“I think he has a pretty good handle on how to pitch, so it’s about building up to where he needs to be,” Banister said.

And being ready with his full arsenal of pitches when he makes it back to the Rangers.

“When I come back here I need to have everything working,” Holland said. “I have to show up here and I have to have everything. I can’t show up with half my stuff.”

Patton’s message

Reliever Spencer Patton wasn’t happy. After allowing two runs against the Astros on Monday, his third consecutive appearance allowing at least a run, Patton wanted to speak with Banister. After the game, which Texas won 12-9, he went into Banister’s office unsolicited.

“I was just frustrated and wanted to talk to him and tell him that what I’m putting out there right now is not who I am,” said Patton, who had allowed six earned runs in his past 2 1/3 innings. This string followed what had been 6 2/3 scoreless innings in his previous seven appearances in July. “I let him know that I’m going to turn this thing around. Don’t lose faith in me, I’m coming back.”

Banister assured Patton that he and the club had faith in him.

“He was very positive. He gave me some very encouraging words,” Patton said. “He reassured me that they trust me and they’re going to keep throwing me out there.”

He refined some mechanics and corrected a drooping arm slot and watched video from Sunday’s game with pitching coach Mike Maddux before Tuesday’s game.

Something clicked. Tuesday night, Patton worked a 1-2-3 seventh in a one-run game.

Briefly

▪ Closer Shawn Tolleson was unavailable Wednesday after working an inning in six of the last seven games. Banister said an emergency situation (extra-inning game) would be the only reason he’d use him. Tolleson recorded his 20th save Tuesday and has six saves and a win since July 21. In that span, he’s allowed one earned run in 10 innings.

▪ Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf signed a minor league contract with Triple A Round Rock.

Quotable

“I’m ready to get my feet wet and have some fun out there. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t be more excited for it.” — Outfielder Ryan Strausborger, who started his first major league game Wednesday night with his parents and girlfriend in town to watch.

This story was originally published August 5, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Holland homing in as his return approaches."