The Cardinals announced today that they’ve activated veteran reliever Greg Holland from the disabled list. To open a roster spot, the club moved righty Matt Bowman to the 10-day DL with blisters on his middle finger.
Now that he’s back from an extended stretch on the shelf due to a hip impingement, Holland will look to reestablish himself after a brutal start to the season. He’s playing on a hefty $14MM contract before returning to the open market at the end of the year, so both player and team have ample incentive to get him back on track.
Unfortunately, Holland’s rehab results largely mirror those from his time in the majors earlier this year. Most worryingly, he’s continuing to dole out far too many free passes. In 20 1/3 total innings this year at all levels, Holland has walked twenty batters. The rest of the numbers are similarly iffy, as the former closer has been tagged for 19 earned runs on 27 hits while recording only 16 strikeouts.
Given his long history of success, perhaps there’s still reason to hope Holland can find something upon his return. While his days as one of the best relief arms in baseball are long since past, he was able to lead the National League with 41 saves last year while carrying a 72 ERA- and recording 11.0 K/9 against 4.1 BB/9.
At this point, the Cards are likely hoping that Holland can throw well enough to justify an ongoing roster spot. Surely the club would be overjoyed if he can show himself worthy of some late-inning work. Holland’s form over the next five weeks will have a significant impact on the team’s deadline plans, as the bullpen looks like a potential area for mid-season upgrades.
No way they put Holland into a game that can still be won.
Holland should be dealt to a team going for the first pick in the draft. He would be worth his contract.
Dealt? You can find a team to take on him or his contract right now.
Can’t *
I think the commenter was tongue in cheek saying he would no doubt help lost some games for teams tanking. Hence getting them the 1st pick. at least that’s how I read it.
Jonsteele Are you new here? This guy always posts comments like this, and we’re not really sure if he’s a troll, or is serious.
I was about to ask, wait how could they be serious? but I’ve seen enough to know you could be right.
I seriously doubt a team would take Holland even if STL ate all but $500K of his contract. The man is effective as a gasoline truck in a wildfire.
Matheny: Hold my beer….
Don’t worry. He’ll be back pitching the 8th or 9th innings before this weekend, results be damned.
I knew Mozeliak and Girsch were dumb, but they can’t be this dumb?
you want to see “dumb” just wait til matheny decides to march holland out there for his first post DL appearance in a high pressure situation (see bowmans 6/18 performance as an example)
That happened and it went really well. 1 IP, 2 is, 0 hits. Now what?
2k’s
When predictions go wrong…. I’m guessing no response
guess matheny proved to be the smarter (this time) one after all
No… Seriously, they are that Fu$&@! Dumb, trust me. The last 4 years price it for Mo.
Prove!
can we trade him and Cecil for a half eaten hotdog and a piss warm Stag?
Still may be too much. Lol
Now you know why Jays fans were dancing in the street when Cecil bolted to the bank in St Louis.
I’ll go for that!
Garbage for garbage
Bleacher area at Busch Stadium has been designated a hard hat area until Holland is DFAd.
Watch him come back to dominate in the second half. He didn’t have a spring training and he is certainly capable.
The question is how many games is he gonna cost the Cards until he gets himself right?
I found it hilarious that the very same sentence that says his days as a top relief arm “are long since past” also notes he lead the league in saves last year. I love this site, Jeff, but that was an awkward summary.
Duck and cover! I’m talking to you in the outfield seats. YOUR LIVES ARE IN DANGER!!
LMAO.
Love the hard hat area crack !
Got rid of Oh and bought Holland for 14 million. dollars. Oh is a far better pitcher everyday of the week, Matheny ruined Oh in 2017 by the way he used him. Actually, I really wonder about the way Matheny ‘manages’ and uses his bullpen, using Bowman yesterday being a prime example.
I wonder if he gets matching funds from the Cubs?