Pittsburgh Pirates News: Derek Holland Officially Makes the Roster

In a move that is of no surprise, veteran left-handed pitcher Derek Holland has officially made the Opening Day roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates after singing a minor league free agent contract with the team this past offseason

past offseason, which seems like an eternity ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran left-handed pitcher Derek Holland to a minor league contract. Holland then enter spring training, which also seems like a lifetime ago, competing for a spot either in the team’s starting rotation or bullpen.

Following the team’s final exhibition game on Wednesday night, a game Holland started, manager Derek Shelton confirmed that the veteran has made the Opening Day roster. Shelton added that he will start one of the team’s games against the Milwaukee Brewers in the second series of the season.

Holland is coming off a 2019 season in which he struggled. He started the season the rotation for the San Francisco Giants, before being designated for assignment and joining the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen. Pitching in 51 games, eight of which were starts, Holland posted a 6.08 ERA and a 6.10 FIP. These struggles are why the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to sign him to a minor league contract.

Between the Grapefruit League and exhibition play, Holland pitched 16.2 innings in five starts. He allowed 15 hits, walked just four batters, hit a batter, and struck out 17. However, thanks in large part to allowing six home runs he posted a 4.32 ERA. That said, if a team’s number four or five starting pitcher gives them a 4.32 ERA, they will take it.

Holland has pitched in 295 games and has made 222 starts in his 11-year MLB career. In 1375.2 innings of work, he owns a 4.54 ERA, 4.53 FIP and has been worth an average of 1.2 fWAR per season. Even Holland can not bounce back on the field in 2020, his veteran leadership and postseason experience should provide great learning opportunities for the young pitchers on the Pirate staff.