Holland returns after stint with Team USA

LAS VEGAS -- Derek Holland is returning to the Rangers after Team USA was eliminated by Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. But Holland is still recovering from a case of food poisoning and the Rangers won't know when he'll pitch again until he gets checked out in Surprise.

Holland came down with the ailment on Thursday while with Team USA in Miami, and was sent back to the hotel by the medical staff. That kept him from being used on Friday night against Puerto Rico.

If Holland is cleared by the Rangers medical staff, he could pitch either Tuesday against the Cubs or Wednesday in a Minor League game. Holland threw five innings and 64 pitches in his one start for Team USA on March 5 against Canada, so his stomach ailment should not be a major setback in his preparation for the season.

"He is dead on schedule," pitching coach Mike Maddux said. "When he was picked for the WBC, our schedule had him one outing ahead of everybody else. When he went to the WBC with their pitch limit rules, I wanted him above that and he is. So he's right on schedule."

Otherwise, Holland returns to the Rangers healthy, as opposed to some others. Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira and Mets third baseman David Wright were among those who sustained injuries during the WBC.

"I knew he would come back in one piece, there was never any doubt about that," manager Ron Washington said. "I was taken aback they didn't go further. I was hoping he could make the difference but he didn't."