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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cardinals add closer Greg Holland, who blows it in his St. Louis debut

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS – The Cardinals recalled closer Greg Holland from the minors in time for Monday night’s game against Milwaukee, and the All-Star righty said he was ready to pitch.

Looks like he was wrong.

Holland walked four batters in the 10th inning and forced home the go-ahead run that gave the Milwaukee Brewers a 5-4 win over the Cardinals.

“Yep, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” Holland said before the game. “I’m healthy. I feel good. At this point it’s kind of like opening day for me. I’m just trying to stay even keeled, but once I get out there for the first time and get in a game it’s going to be pretty normal.

“I’m excited. Hopefully I’m not here for five or six days before I get into a game,” he said.

The 32-year-old Holland tied for the N.L. lead with 41 saves for Colorado last season, then signed as a free agent with St. Louis on opening day. He pitched two games for Class A Palm Beach, with a scoreless relief appearance and a start in which he allowed one run on two hits in one inning.

To make room for Holland, St. Louis optioned right-handed pitcher Mike Mayers to Triple-A Memphis.

Holland spent his first six seasons in the majors with Kansas City. He missed the 2016 season because of Tommy John surgery, then returned with the Rockies last year and was an All-Star for the third time and tied the Colorado record for saves in a season.

Holland waited all winter for the right deal. He eventually signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Cardinals.