Rangers’ Holland looks to build on last start despite six days off
Derek Holland is not a fan of having six days off between starts, but he knows his first two outings in May didn’t exactly make his wishes a priority.
The Texas Rangers left-hander allowed a combined 15 runs on 19 hits in five innings but rebounded to hold the Athletics to two runs on three hits in his last start May 16. He’ll open the series against the Angels on Monday in Arlington.
Manager Jeff Banister said the decision was more about keeping Cole Hamels on his regular four days’ rest than pushing Holland back another day. Holland understands.
Last two before [a quality start May 16] weren’t very good, so I gave them reasons why to give me a couple days and figure things out.
Derek Holland
on the Rangers’ decision to give him six days’ rest since his last start“He is the ace of the staff right now and when my name is called I have to be ready to go,” Holland said. “You like having a routine, but at the same time I have to respect the decision that was made. Last two before that weren’t very good, so I gave them reasons why to give me a couple days and figure things out.”
Holland has kept his routine the same despite the extra days. That includes only throwing one bullpen session between the two starts.
For Holland to get back on track, Banister said, it starts with throwing strikes.
“He has to pitch to contact a little more, try to get early-count outs,” he said. “Try to move the ball around a little bit more, command the baseball better and pay attention to what the hitter is trying to do. He’s probably more on track with that.”
Holland walked one in his last start.
“I feel very confident where everything is and I’m very happy with the way things have been going and have been working my butt off getting ready to go,” Holland said.
Six-man unlikely
With A.J. Griffin still out with a sore right shoulder and no plan yet to throw from a mound, his return is likely more than a week away.
Griffin will need to make a couple of rehab starts before being available to the Rangers. Griffin has been on the disabled list since May 8.
“It’s going to be a build-up,” Banister said. “You want to make sure the arm is good enough to be able to endure the ups and the workload.”
Banister had considered using a six-man rotation when Yu Darvish returned before Griffin experienced shoulder tightness.
Cesar Ramos, who started Saturday’s 2-1 win, wouldn’t be a candidate to use in a six-man rotation, but he could remain a spot starter during a 20-game stretch with no days off from June 3-22.
Odor’s suspension
Second baseman Rougned Odor’s hearing to appeal an eight-game suspension for punching Toronto’s Jose Bautista will be on Tuesday, MLB Network and The Associated Press reported. The appeal will be heard by MLB executive vice president John McHale. If it is upheld, Odor would have to begin serving the suspension immediately.
Choo update
Shin-Soo Choo’s sore left hamstring remained the same Sunday afternoon. It’s better than it was Friday when he strained it running the bases in the third inning, but the Rangers are being cautious to prevent anything more serious.
Choo hopes to be back in the lineup Monday. He’s still available to pinch-hit, which he was poised to do in the ninth Saturday, but it was unnecessary.
Stefan Stevenson: 817-390-7760, @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published May 22, 2016 at 3:33 PM with the headline "Rangers’ Holland looks to build on last start despite six days off."