Holland needs leg strength

MINNEAPOLIS -- Rangers pitcher Derek Holland went through a strenuous fielding workout on Wednesday afternoon at Target Field to test his surgically repaired left knee. The verdict is he still needs more strength and mobility in the knee before he is ready for a medical rehab assignment.

Holland is hoping that will come in the next two weeks, after the Rangers finish their current road trip and an upcoming nine-game homestand.

"The next thing is for [the Rangers] to decide," Holland said. "I don't have any say in it. It's much better but there are still some things that need to be taken care of little pushing off my back leg."

Holland, who underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee on Jan. 10, has been able to throw regularly in the bullpen without issues. The concern is being able to field his position and make tough throws pushing off his back leg. He is not able to do that right now with any consistency.

"He just has to keep working until he gets used to the new leg," manager Ron Washington said. "We're trying to get him a feel for pushing off that leg."