Colorado Rockies: Greg Holland Throws Second Simulated Game

Greg Holland threw his second simulated game for the Colorado Rockies on Monday morning at their spring training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The right-handed reliever, signed in the offseason, missed the 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Radar guns had him throwing at 91-92 miles per hour. However, Colorado manager Bud Black says there’s more to Holland’s comeback than just velocity.

“That is not the end all of what we’re looking at, that’s for sure,” Black said. “That’s a barometer.”

Holland said he was pleased with the effort, which took place on Field 1 under Black’s watch.

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“Last time out, my timing was really good, and this time it got a little bit better, so I’m moving in the right direction,” Holland said. “This time of year, you’re still getting more consistent mechanically and still building arm strength and stuff. So I’m not worried about my velocity as far as that goes. I’m more worried about how I feel when I release the ball, if everything is working together and the ball’s coming out, spinning true. It’s been really good the last two outings.”

Black also likes the direction he sees Holland trending.

“Each time Greg has taken the mound, he’s progressed in how he looks,” Black said. “The arm speed. The crispness of pitches. How he feels. He’s going through a spring training that he hasn’t gone through in a couple of years. He’s getting back and trying to regain that feeling of being a healthy pitcher. A lot of times with pitchers, and especially with his case, he’s been saying that his elbow has been bothering him for a while but he’s been able to pitch through some discomfort and still perform and produce. He feels really good, as far as the health of his elbow.”

Black said the next step for Holland will be to ramp up the game feel for him. He still believes Holland will see action in a spring training game and is on track to start the season in the Colorado bullpen.

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“I think his next game, we’ll do it in a more game-like atmosphere. We’ll put a lineup out there behind him and he’s going to pitch,” Black said. “There will be a little bit more intensity. If everything goes well, he’ll still get seven or eight games (in spring training). For a relief pitcher where he’s been, it will be fine. I’ve seen relief pitchers get three or four games and they’re fine. Greg is looking to track toward seven or eight, which will be fine.”