Derek Holland will never forget his first 11 pitches against the Detroit Tigers last season. He recalls confidently taking the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 8 at PNC Park, knowing he had to salvage the bullpen.
The night before, the teams combined for 30 runs in 11 innings and used 14 total relievers, so the Pirates were counting on Holland. The 12-year veteran, with more than 300 games on his resume, felt prepared for the task.
Those 11 pitches, however, were a nightmare. The 34-year-old, who, along with infielder Drew Ward on Saturday, signed with the Tigers on minor-league contract, gave up four home runs — to Niko Goodrum, Miguel Cabrera, C.