Holland feels good after first rehab outing

ARLINGTON -- Derek Holland returned to the mound in a real game for the first time this season when he pitched two scoreless innings for Double-A Frisco in a medical rehabilitation assignment against Midland on Wednesday.

Holland did not allow a hit, walked two and struck out four. He threw 33 pitches. He did not have to test his left knee with any fielding chances.

Holland will next pitch Monday for Triple-A Round Rock.

"Just trying to get out there and get back into the swing of things," Holland said. "First time out, very excited, a lot of adrenaline flowing, but the main thing was I just wanted to execute my pitches. I felt like, overall, a couple bad walks, but for the most part, I'm feeling really good about how I was out there doing everything.

"I felt great from the beginning. ... Mechanically still feel the same with my knee and everything. All I really wanted to do was attack the zone, and today I felt like I did a pretty good job of that, except for the two walks."

Holland underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee on Jan. 10 to repair torn cartilage. Holland injured the knee falling over his dog on a staircase at his house. The Rangers are expecting Holland to come off the disabled list at the end of August and possibly get five starts at the Major League level before the season is over.

"I even actually tried to push for another inning today," Holland said. "I knew that wasn't going to happen, but it's always worth a shot. You've got that competitive nature, you want to get out there and go for another inning, but I respect what these guys tell me."