The Rangers need a healthy Derek Holland in the rotation. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
DENVER — Left-hander Derek Holland took a step forward in his rehab Tuesday when he threw 35 pitches of live batting practice.
It was the first time Holland faced hitters since April 10, when he started the Texas Rangers’ home opener and left after one inning and nine pitches due to a loss of velocity.
The Rangers put Holland on the 60-day disabled list with a torn muscle behind his left shoulder that was diagnosed as a subscapular strain.
After facing hitters in the early afternoon Tuesday at Coors Field, Holland said he was ready to begin a rehab assignment.
“In my mind, me speaking, I’m ready to go,” Holland said before the Rangers beat the Colorado Rockies 9-0. “I feel good. I feel confident, and I’m going to keep pushing to get out there. I want to help this team. I wanted them to see that the arm is fine and that I’m ready. Maybe they think I need to do more, but in my mind, I’m ready.”
Considering how long he has been sidelined and how the Rangers have taken a conservative approach to Holland’s rehab, having him begin a rehab assignment after one session of live batting practice would seem to be a rather aggressive step forward.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister didn’t dismiss the idea but said club officials would meet with Holland after he has 24 hours to recover.
Regardless, Banister was encouraged by what he saw from Holland.
“Had really good energy on the mound,” the manager said. “The arm looked loose and free. Fastball came out very well. Had a lot of late movement on the ball. The breaking ball was loose early, but he tightened it up in the second part of (the throwing session). And the changeup had nice deception on it. But more than anything else, the arm was nice and worked well.
“After he plays catch tomorrow, we’ll see how he feels and we’ll make a plan from that point on.”
