ARLINGTON, Texas _ Derek Holland makes his third rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on Monday and could be an option for the Rangers as early as Saturday against the Rays in Tampa Bay, Fla.
The Rangers will wait and see how the left-hander responds to what is supposed to be a 75-pitch start in Salt Lake City. Depending on how his night goes, Holland could throw a 20-pitch bullpen session after he comes out of the game.
His pending return from inflammation in his throwing shoulder, which put him on the disabled list June 21, gives manager Jeff Banister multiple options for adjusting his rotation for the last month and a half of the season. Two days off in the next eight days also allows for rotation flexibility.
"We have an opportunity with the off days, with Derek coming back, to be able to maneuver our rotation which we feel it best suits us for every series in front of us," Banister said. "We want to be prudent and smart with how we do this."
That means not rushing Holland back. He's eligible to come off the DL on Saturday, but if the club sees fit, they could have him make one more minor league start before having him return to face the Indians Aug. 25-28.
"Do we want to insert Holland immediately or can we give him another turn to really ramp him up," Banister said. "We have options. it always depends on how it plays out, how they feel."
