ARLINGTON – The promotion of Derek Holland after only one outing at Triple A might make it seem the Texas Rangers are getting a head start on 2010.

But the Rangers learned in spring training that their prized left-handed prospect could help the club this season, and some believe he should have broken camp with them.

Instead, Holland, 22, joined them Saturday, when they purchased his contract from Oklahoma City, stuck him in the bullpen and designated right-hander Josh Rupe for assignment. Holland didn't pitch in the loss to Kansas City.

The move will allow Holland to get adjusted to the major leagues and make him better when the anticipated prospect revolution is in full swing next year.

The Rangers, though, expect him to be an upgrade for the worst bullpen in baseball.

"He's a strike-thrower, and he's got the stuff and makeup to handle it," general manager Jon Daniels said.

The plan for Holland has him in the starting rotation, possibly on occasion this season and for sure in 2010. Daniels said the club expects Holland won't return to the minors.

Francisco starts strong: Closer Frank Francisco has great numbers, but only one save. In 4 1/3 innings, Francisco has allowed one baserunner, struck out six and has an 0.00 ERA. But, because of the bullpen's struggles, the Rangers have been forced to use him in non-save situations.

Rare shot for Salty: Jarrod Saltalamacchia accomplished something Friday night he hadn't done with the Rangers – he hit a home run right-handed. Saltalamacchia's homer off Horacio Ramirez was also Saltalamacchia's first right-handed since he homered off Mike Bacsik twice on June 26, 2007, when he was with Atlanta.

A long way to go: Ian Kinsler singled in the eighth inning Saturday and has reached base at least once in all 11 games. Kinsler opened last year by reaching in the first 25 games. That's the third-longest streak to open the season in Texas history. Toby Harrah has the record, reaching in 41 straight games in 1985.

Briefly: Michael Young became the fourth player in Rangers history to reach 5,000 at-bats with his first inning groundout. Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez are the others. ... Washington said he hopes to Andruw Jones on Sunday.

Anthony Andro contributed.