OAKLAND, Calif. — Texas left-hander Derek Holland believes he's turned the corner in his fight against a lingering stomach virus.
Holland, who has lost 15 pounds in two weeks and got fatigued during his Tuesday start, went through a full workout Wednesday and expects to take the ball Sunday against San Francisco.
"I feel better," said Holland, who last pitched a total of seven innings in his last two starts. "It's going to take a little more time. I have to keep pushing and get my strength back. That's the main thing. That's what the real focus is, getting my strength back."
Holland, who is down to 201 pounds, doesn't think he'll need any tests done. He's taking medication for the illness but is the weight loss a little alarming.
"I've lost a good bit of weight," he said. "Everybody would be concerned with that."
Holland started feeling bad when the team was in Seattle for a May 21-23 series. He said he's not using the stomach problem as an excuse for his pitching.
Texas manager Ron Washington said Holland is still the likely pitcher for Sunday's game and Scott Feldman is still penciled in to start Saturday. Feldman lasted 1 2/3 against Oakland Monday and has an ERA of 7.01 after allowing eight runs. Feldman went through his regular bullpen session Wednesday.
Washington said Holland looked like a ghost after his start but he had more color Wednesday.
The Rangers don't have a lot of options in the short term if Feldman or Holland can't go. Possible candidates mentioned have been everyone from Zach Jackson to Barret Loux.
"I feel pretty good about Saturday although today is only Wednesday," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "I never said I was doing anything with Feldman. Today is Wednesday we've still got three or four days. We've got time to make a decision if we have to."
