Holland feels ready for rehab assignment

DENVER -- Derek Holland threw 35 pitches in a simulated game on Tuesday afternoon at Coors Field. It was the first time Holland faced hitters since going on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his left shoulder.

Holland said he felt good and insisted that he is ready to go on a medical rehabilitation assignment. The Rangers aren't ready to announce that next step.

"In my mind, I'm ready to go," Holland said. "Yeah, I get it that it's different when you throw to hitters. But I feel good, I feel confident, and I'm ready to step out there.

"I want to help this team, and I'm going to keep trying to push my way out [onto the field]. Obviously, I've got to respect the front office and what everybody says, but I'm still going to be that competitive guy that wants to get out."

Holland has been sidelined since April 10 with a strained muscle in his left shoulder. The Rangers will see how Holland feels on Wednesday before taking the next step.

"He had good energy on the mound and looked loose and free," manager Jeff Banister said. "His fastball came out well, the breaking ball was loose early but then tightened up, his changeup had nice deception. But more than anything, he was nice and loose and the arm worked well. After he plays catch tomorrow, we'll see how he feels."

Worth noting 

• Nick Martinez scored two runs in Monday's game. He became the first Rangers pitcher to do that in a game.

• Prince Fielder is the Rangers' nominee for the Heart and Hustle Award, presented by the Major League Players Alumni Association. The award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. The winner will be announced in November.

• Fielder had 39 multi-hit games going into Tuesday's game, six more than any other player in the Majors.