SEATTLE — Three-time All-Star Relief Greg Holland was selected for action by the Texas Rangers on Tuesday after conceding three home runs in his five appearances this season.
The 36-year-old Hollander, who joined the opening-day lineup after a minor-league contract for spring training, had a 7.71 ERA in his 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander hit five and walked one.
Texas made the move before its game in Seattle, vacating a roster spot for starter No. 1 Jon Gray to be activated from the injured list and start the series opener against the Mariners. Gray signed a four-year, $56 million deal with Texas last December after his first seven big league seasons with Colorado.
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Gray started the season opener for the Rangers, hitting the at least nine batters in three innings in Toronto on April 8 and then allowing three runs in his fourth and final inning before leaving with a blister on his right middle finger. The right-hander got a no-decision and went on the 10-day injured list the following day. Tuesday was the first day it could be activated.
Holland had eight saves in 57 games for Kansas City last season and a 4.85 ERA, with 8.57 strikeouts per nine innings and an opponent’s batting average of .229. He has spent the last two seasons with the Royals, his second stint with the organization.
His contract with the Rangers had a base salary of $2.1 million while he was with the majors. He was an AL All-Star with the Royals in 2013 and 2014 and an NL All-Star in 2017 while representing Colorado.