ARLINGTON, Texas - Derek Holland is once again back in Arlington with the Texas Rangers.
That doesn't mean that Holland will be joining the rotation anytime soon.
Holland threw 80 pitches in Arizona yesterday and did everything he could to test his surgically repaired left knee.
"I don't know what else is left to do," Holland said. "I'm trying to get out there. The next decision is up to the staff."
Holland was slated to meet with team doctor Keith Meister during Tuesday's game and go through his workout routine. Before any rehab assignment can begin Holland will have to show Texas manager Ron Washington and the rest of the staff that his knee is good to go.
He'll do that by showing he can field his position without the knee being an issue. Then the club will decided what's next.
While Holland has been working out in Arizona and has gotten his pitch count up, he knows there's no substitute for actual game action.
"Getting to see some actual hitters and Double A and Triple A guys and getting myself prepared that's the most important thing," Holland said. "I don't want to show up here and not be ready to go. I want to be able to see some big-league hitters and go from there. I've definitely got to get people out. I've got to get people out and show I can help this team."
