Former Texas Rangers Favorite Derek Holland Comeback Ends

Longtime MLB pitcher Derek Holland, part of two World Series teams with the Texas Rangers, was attempting a comeback with an independent team.

The same day the Texas Rangers announced that pitcher Jacob deGrom would have season-ending surgery, a former franchise fan favorite did the same.

Derek Holland, a one of the most popular Rangers during nearly a decade with the club, took to Twitter to share his likely upcoming Tommy John surgery.

“Well I've got some interesting news and I was waiting to find out the true results but, it looks like after 16 years of pro ball I'm gonna be having Tommy John. My elbow was not able to withstand what was going on. I was doing really well up in New York. I was blessed with some awesome teammates, a great group of guys up there, a great coaching staff, just all around it so much fun up there. It was definitely cool, had a great time so I’m very thankful for the York Revolution, their staff, the coaching staff, all the players and the fans. They were unbelievable up there. They were so cool and I'm very thankful for that. Unfortunately the Tommy John bug has hit me and I will probably be getting surgery.”

Holland was attempting a comeback with the York Revolution, part of the independent Atlantic League. He made his debut in late May, striking out the side in his first appearance. That helped the Revolution hold on for a 6-5 win over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

The return to pro baseball had been in the works for some time. In the offseason, the lefty threw for MLB scouts in Arlington along with former Rangers teammate Cole Hamels.

Holland didn’t pitch in Majors in 2022, though he spent time in both Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox organizations. His last MLB season was 2021, going 3-2 with a 5.07 ERA for the Detroit Tigers.

Holland spent eight years with the Rangers starting in 2009, going 62-50 with a 4.35 ERA. In 2011, he led the American League with four shutouts and went 16-5 as the Rangers reached their second consecutive World Series.

Well new journey starts now pic.twitter.com/mRyMl2PfsO

— Derek Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) June 6, 2023

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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