Richard Durrett reports that Derek Holland will make Friday's start in Minnesota in Rich Harden's rotation spot. The Rangers say that the move is only for one turn and that's believable since the club only gave Holland one shot before sending him down after an August 18 start and went back to Harden for just two starts before this move. This spot in the rotation will make about six more starts before the end of the season.
The Rangers say that the move is also about maintaining the bullpen.
"We've had some inconsistencies in our fifth spot and we wanted to give Derek an opportunity," [Thad] Levine said. "We feel is balances our bullpen and gives us another right-handed pitcher that can get tough hitters out with Frankie still out."
Harden apparently understood the move.
"He's embracing the chance to go the bullpen and help the team there," Levine said. "He feels he can contribute there."