Holland still working on leg strength

ARLINGTON -- Still recovering from offseason knee surgery, Rangers lefty Derek Holland was back in uniform Monday at Globe Life Park, working on the strength in his left leg with some drills at first base.

Manager Ron Washington tossed grounders to Holland, who threw live batting practice for the first time this season in Arizona on Saturday.

"We're just working on the range of motion, trying to get the leg going," Holland said. "Obviously I've been doing everything running-wise, it's just more of a strength issue, making sure I stay low, bending it, pushing off of it. That's what we were trying to do."

Holland will throw a bullpen session in Arlington on Tuesday, then head for Arizona to pitch to hitters again Friday. After that, Holland will need to go on a rehab assignment and make a few starts. There is no set timetable for his return, Holland said, and he acknowledged that though his arm is 100 percent, his leg is more like 80. It will likely be late June or early July before he returns.

 "I definitely feel like I'm getting closer, but I know right now if I was to ask to go play, it wouldn't happen," Holland said. "My leg's not as strong as I want it to be, so that's the big thing, we're just trying to get stronger. … I'm frustrated because I want to be out there right now. But you've got to be patient, that's probably the hardest thing about it."