Derek Holland gets go ahead at slot No. 2 in American League Division Series pitching rotation
Derek Holland has been one of the rising pitchers in the Texas line-up since the start of the 2011 season. The player was not on the rotation line up on Wednesday, September 28 as the Rangers pummelled the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim 3-1.
The star however got the news from manager Ron Washington that he will be heading the second slot on the pitching rotation in the American League division.
"C.J. [Wilson] and Derek will be the first two. We haven't decided on the others," Washington said. "Right now, he lines up. He has been one of our hottest pitchers down the stretch."
Holland will be facing off against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The player will be going after C. J. Wilson in the line-up as he will try to beat the resilient Rays at home. The star hurler has not lost a game since August 21 and
he is 16-5 in the season. His earned run average has been impressive as his standing of 3.95 spells a positive outlook for the club.
"I can't feel what Derek feels right now, but we are confident in him," Washington said. "We believe in him. I hope that is all he needs to know, so he can go out there in front of 50,000 fans, won't hear them and focus on what he needs to do to get it done."
Holland’s role from last year’s post-season was immense as he pitched from the bullpen to keep the opposition at bay. With the absence of Cliff Lee from the rotation, Holland has brought stability to the mound. He had a lot to learn in the off-season period
as he talked about borrowing Matt Harrison’s reading material to get on top of his game.
Holland, Harrison, Alexi Ogando and Colby Lewis have been bringing in great numbers over the season to put the club on top. It will be interesting to see who will come on the third pitching slot in the American League Division Series.
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