The Twins are moving struggling right-hander Nick Blackburn to the bullpen temporarily.
Left-hander Brian Duensing will take his place in the rotation.
Acting manager Scott Ullger insisted the move is temporary and made to give Blackburn a mental break. Duensing will start Friday at Baltimore.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was not at the ballpark, tending to a family matter.
"It's not a permanent thing. It's just to give Blackie a chance to take a step back, take a deep breath and regroup a little bit," Ullger said.
Twins Move Blackburn To Bullpen Temporarily