Holland pitches simulated game

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Rangers left-hander Derek Holland, sidelined following micro-fracture knee surgery in January, completed a simulated game early Saturday but isn't scheduled to be sent out for a rehab pitching assignment.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Holland did what he was asked to do during the 67-pitch session, which was designed primarily to test his Holland's ability to field his position.

''There's still a little limp there. Maybe that's going to be there,'' Washington said. ''Derek should be happy with what he accomplished.''

Holland led the Rangers in starts last season with 33 while going 10-9 and was a 16-game winner in 2011, when Texas swuccessfully defended its American League pennant. He injured the knee playing with his dog at home.

Holland said he accepts that the decision to return to the active roster is out of his hands. He said he's simply eager to contribute to the Rangers, who went into Saturday afternoon's game against the Minnesota Twins 13 games out in the A.L. West and 6 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot.

''When you're on the DL, you don't feel like you're with the guys,'' Holland said. ''They're out there in the war, and I'm in like the emergency room ''

The Rangers have used the disabled list this season more than any other major league team. They got only 12 total starts from fellow left-handers Martin Perez and Matt Harrison before they were both lost for the season in May.