KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- LHP Derek Holland will start Friday in Minnesota in place of starter Rich Harden, who will move to the bullpen effective Tuesday. The rest of the rotation will back up a day, including Cliff Lee, who pitches Monday in Toronto.

The Rangers made the decision Monday and told Harden about it before the game. Assistant general manager Thad Levine said Harden took the news well.

"He's embracing the chance to go the bullpen and help the team there," Levine said. "He feels he can contribute there."

This is not a permanent decision. Levine said the club was only thinking about "this next turn in the rotation."

"We've had some inconsistencies in our fifth spot and we wanted to give Derek an opportunity," Levine said. "We feel this balances our bullpen and gives us another right-handed pitcher that can get tough hitters out with Frankie still out."

Holland is 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in seven games (five starts) for the Rangers this season in 28 1/3 innings pitched. His last start was Aug. 18 at Tampa Bay, when he gave up five runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He pitched 4 2/3 innings of relief Saturday, allowing one run on three hits in a 5-0 loss to Oakland.