OAKLAND, CALIF. (AP) - The Texas Rangers placed left-hander Derek Holland on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of a fatigued left shoulder.
Holland (5-4) has been dealing with a stomach virus that has caused him to lose 10-15 pounds over the past couple of weeks and the team is concerned about him pitching in a weakened condition. He flew back to Texas on Thursday to be checked out by a doctor.
“We want him at full strength,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said.
The move was made before the series finale Thursday in Oakland. It is retroactive to Wednesday, a day after Holland pitched 5 1-3 innings and allowed three runs in a victory over the A’s. The earliest he can return is June 21.
Right-hander Tanner Scheppers was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to take Holland’s place on the roster. Alexei Ogando will take Holland’s place in the rotation and start Sunday in San Francisco against the Giants.
Ogando was 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA last year when he was mostly a starter. He moved to the bullpen this season and is 1-0 with a 2.27 ERA in 27 games. Ogando hasn’t thrown more than 39 pitches in a game this season so it is unlikely he will be able to go deep into the game Sunday.
The Rangers also have Roy Oswalt in the minors. He was scheduled to make his second start at Round Rock on Thursday night and the team is hoping to get him four starts in the minors before bringing him up.
Scheppers was 1-2 with a 3.72 ERA and nine saves at Triple-A Round Rock. He got the news Wednesday and joined the team in Oakland on Thursday. He made his major league debut in the game, allowing a solo homer to Brandon Moss in 1 2-3 innings of relief.
“I’m definitely excited,” he said before the game. “It’s unfortunate I’m here because somebody got hurt but it’s a dream come true. I’m here to help out the team any way I can. I’ll make the most of it.”
Holland got a new contract in the spring through at least 2016 with options for two more years. He has a 5.10 ERA this season. He joins fellow starter Neftali Feliz on the DL.
Left-hander John Gaub was designated for assignment.
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