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The Rangers have announced that lefty Derek Holland on Friday underwent successful surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. Holland, who suffered the injury during a fall at his home on Tuesday, will now likely miss the start of the 2014 season and, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, may be out until after the break.
Holland released the following statement through the team:
"I am devastated by this injury. It was a freak accident at home that resulted in a hard fall on my knee. As upsetting as this is, my goal is to begin rehab and get back on the mound as quickly as possible."
The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong season in 2013, as he pitched to a 3.42 ERA (120 ERA+) and 2.95 K/BB ratio in 213 innings of work. For his career, Holland owns a 100 ERA+ across parts of five major-league seasons.
Holland was slated to open the 2014 campaign as the Rangers' number-two starter behind Yu Darvish. So consider this a serious blow to the Rangers, particularly in the hotly contested AL West.
