The futures of starting pitchers Derek Holland and Colby Lewis with the Texas Rangers is uncertain.
The Rangers are undecided about picking up Holland's $11 million team option for 2017 and about re-signing Lewis, reports MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Both Holland and Lewis are eligible to become free agents otherwise.
Holland, 30, had a 4.95 ERA in 22 games the season. The lefty went 7-9 in 20 starts and struck out 67 batters over 107â…“ innings. He spent two months on the disabled list due to shoulder inflammation, returning to the active roster in late August. Holland was moved to the bullpen late in the regular season but wasn't activated for the the American League Division Series.
Holland also has an $11.5 million option for 2018, but the Rangers aren't obligated to exercise options for both years at the same time.
Lewis, 37, was out from late June to mid-September with a strained lat muscle. The righty went 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA in 19 starts, striking out 73 batters in 116â…“ innings. Lewis struggled after returning from the disabled list, losing all four of his final regular-season starts and posting a 6.38 ERA. He gave up five earned runs in two innings in the Rangers' eventual loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in a win-or-go home situation in Game 3 of the ALDS.
Lewis was signed to a one-year, $6 million deal this season.
General manager Jon Daniels said the Rangers will pick up Jonathan Lucroy's $5.25 million option for 2017, reports Sullivan.
Texas will be active in the pitching market, looking for starters to add to the rotation of Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish and Martin Perez, Sullivan writes. Per Sullivan, Daniels said the Rangers still have enough talent in the minors to make a trade -- an asset in a year with a free-agent market that's viewed as below average.
-- Alex Tekip
