May 15, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers are getting a rotation boost Wednesday as left-hander Derek Holland is set to make his first start since April 10.
Holland has been on the disabled list since then with a strained muscle in his back. But he's made four rehab starts and threw a total of 99 pitches last Friday between his start for Round Rock and throwing in the bullpen.
The Rangers haven't made a roster move for Holland, but right-hander Chi Chi Gonzalez is the likely candidate to get sent down.
Holland is ready to help a team that's in the thick of the playoff race.
"The thing is the work's not done," Holland said. "I've got this opportunity and now I've got to capitalize. We're in a tight race right now. We're in a tight race right now. It's my job to come in and continue that momentum, that mojo."
Manager Jeff Banister doesn't expect Holland to come in and be a rotation savior. Between the rehab starts and his one outing for the Rangers he's totaled just 13 innings of work in 2015.
"This is essentially his first start of the year now," Banister said. "Rehab starts are one thing. When these guys get back to the big leagues, how they pitch is still part of the process. I wouldn't expect to see all of Derek's pitches as sharp as you would see in the middle of the season."
With Holland back in the rotation the Rangers have been able to set their rotation through this weekend's series in Detroit. Martin Perez will start Thursday's game followed by Colby Lewis, Yovani Gallardo and Cole Hamels.
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