The Texas Rangers will be without starting pitcher Derek Holland to start the season.
Holland underwent surgery on Friday to repair torn cartilage behind his left kneecap after falling at his home on Tuesday,
“I am devastated by this injury,” Holland said in a statement. “It was a freak accident at home, resulting in a hard fall on my knee. As upsetting as it is, my goal is to begin rehab and get back on the mound as soon as possible.”
Holland was expected to be in the Rangers rotation this season. General manager Jon Daniels says the club will look for starting depth but did not rule out using someone currently in the organization to take his spot.
The Rangers have been monitoring Japanese free-agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. Another option for the team could be Matt Garza who pitched for the team last season compiling a 4-5 record and a 4.38 ERA after being acquired in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on July 22.
Current internal options include Nick Tepesch (4-6, 4.84) and the recently re-signed Colby Lewis who has not pitched in a big league game since July of 2012. There are additional players who will be given a look this spring if the Rangers do not find a free agent option.
