The Pirates are entering the 2020 season with less starting pitching depth they had a year ago, losing Jameson Taillon and Chris Archer to injury. The club made only one free agent acquisition last winter to potentially bolster the rotation: Derek Holland.
Holland signed a minor-league deal with the Pirates, meaning he had no guarantee as far as a rotation job, or even a roster spot. He had a strong spring training, seemingly solidifying at least a spot on the roster, but Holland isn't allowing himself to think that way.
" I still have not been told I’m on this team, so I have to continue to have that mindset that I had going into spring training of, ‘I’ve got to make this team,’ " Holland said during a Zoom call after his workout Sunday. "There’s no worrying about anybody else but myself right now. It’s making sure that I can get on this team. My job is to be here and be able to pass along knowledge to the younger guys and also make sure I can be something to be part of this team to help us be successful.”
An 11-year veteran, Holland lost his guarantees for a major league job after struggling in 2019. He recorded a 6.08 ERA between the Giants and Cubs, was designated for assignment and was bumped to the bullpen. In the Zoom call, he described the year as a "s--- storm."
The Pirates coaches were able to identify some tweaks they wanted the left-hander to make, and those changes were going well before camp was suspended on Mar. 12.
But again, Holland isn't taking anything for granted.
"I can't go in here and say that I'm the starter," Holland said. "I've got to earn this."
Other news, notes, sounds and sights from Day 3 of Pirates summer camp Sunday:
• For what it's worth, Derek Shelton said he thinks of Holland as a starter, though he did not commit to him being in the rotation.
• So far, Jacob Stallings has caught Holland, Joe Musgrove and Mitch Keller. As a hitter, he's faced Chris Stratton, JT Brubaker and Chad Kuhl.
Kuhl in particular impressed him, saying his stuff was "filthy" and his curveball was "just gross."
Fun and games with Jacob Stallings and Guillermo Heredia.pic.twitter.com/71rLwYv3MJ
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) July 5, 2020
