Derek Holland Injured His Knee Because His Dog Tripped Him

Rangers pitcher Derek Holland had surgery on his left knee Friday and could be out for half of the 2014 season, thanks to his overzealous dog.

Holland was playing with his boxer named Wrigley—a name that doesn't exactly exude luck—while running up the stairs when Wrigley tripped Holland. By the pitcher's account, his injury could have been more serious.

From Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News:

"I was running around with the dog and took off up the stairs," said Holland, the club leader in starts (33) and innings pitched (213) last season. "He chased me and ran up under me and undercut me, and I slammed my head on the steps.

"It could have been worse. I could have cracked my head open. I was doing a typical guy thing, clowning around with the dog thing, and this happened."

And what of Wrigley?

"I yelled at him," Holland said. "But I didn't put him on waivers."

Rumors had circulated that Holland injured himself playing amateur hockey last Monday, but he denied those, saying he finished the game completely intact. A rambunctious dog makes for a much dumber baseball injury.

[ Rangers Blog]

Photo: Jae C. Hong/AP