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| Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
Throws: L
Bats: L Born: Oct 26, 1983, San Cristobal, Contract: Signed though 2008 |
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| Profile | Player News | Articles | Split Stats | Game Log | Player Comparison |
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Player Notes |
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September 21, 2008 Francisco Liriano won his sixth game of the season by throwing seven innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven in the Twins 4-1 over the Rays. Our View:Liriano did not have an exceptional last start, but otherwise he has not lost since being recalled in August. |
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September 16, 2008 Tuesday night's start against the Indians was Francisco Liriano's worst since being called back up to the Twins. He lasted just 2.2 innings and allowed eight runs, four earned, and eight baserunners. He allowed two home runs in the process. Our View:Errors by Nick Punto and Carlos Gomez were too much for the young lefty to overcome. This start is an aberration and Liriano should be expected to bounce back strong in his next outing. |
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September 11, 2008 Francisco Liriano allowed two earned runs on six hits over eight innings in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Kansas City, with no walks and six strikeouts. He exited the game in a 2-2 tie, and was dealt a no decision. Our View:He pitched well, and would have won if not for poor run support from his teammates. Liriano is now 4-0 over his last seven outings, and has allowed two or less earned runs in each of his last six. |
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September 5, 2008 Francisco Liriano had a season-high nine strikeouts in seven innings while improving to 5-0 since returning to the Twins lineup last month. He did give up two homers, though, both to Marcus Thames before leaving in the eighth with no outs. Our View:In his seven starts since being called back up, Liriano has surrendered only eight runs. It appears he is back to form and may be becoming one of the most dominant fantasy players in the game for a long time. |
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August 30, 2008 Francisco Liriano only issued one earned run on five hits over seven innings in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Oakland, with no walks and six strikeouts. He exited the game with a 2-0 lead, and was dealt a no decision as the A's rallied to score two runs to win the game in the bottom of the ninth. Our View:He would have claimed his fifth win in August if not for poor run support. |
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August 30, 2008 Of Francisco Liriano's eight starts this season, two have come against the Oakland Athletics. Tonight, Liriano will lead the playoff-hopeful Minnesota Twins against the A's in the third test of a four-game series from McAfee Coliseum, according to the Sports Network. Our View:Liriano first squared off with the Athletics on April 24 by the bay and was reached for six runs and five hits in two-thirds of an inning. The Twins never recovered and were handed an 11-2 setback that day. Liriano rebounded on August 20 versus Oakland at the Metrodome, where he yielded one unearned run and five hits in five frames of his team's 3-1 victory. The left-hander, who will make his sixth start since being recalled from the minor leagues, last pitched on August 25 at Seattle and is 4-0 over the past five trips to the mound. Liriano did not factor in the 4-2 loss to the Mariners after holding them to a run on five hits in six innings of work. He is 4-3 with a 3.83 ERA in eight outings this season. |
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August 20, 2008 Francisco Liriano only issued one run (not earned) on five hits over five innings in Wednesday's 3-1 win over Oakland, with three walks and five strikeouts. Our View:He improves to 4-3 over seven starts, and lowered his ERA to 4.24. Liriano has now won four straight starts, and has allowed zero earned runs three times over the span. |
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August 15, 2008 Francisco Liriano was in fine form Friday, shutting out the Mariners on two hits and two walks while striking out five over seven innings. Our View:Liriano has won all three of his starts since returning from the minors, but he hasn't exactly faced offensive juggernauts in Cleveland, Kansas City and Seattle. |
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August 9, 2008 Minnesota LHP Francisco Liriano may not have enjoyed the same sense of accomplishment that followed his 2008 debut, but he is likely to be proud of the final result as his Twins put the Royals down for the count, 7-3. Liriano pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs (all earned) over six his with two walks and five strikeouts. Our View:The win in his return from injury showcased strong abilities, but it is wise to anticipate slight falls like this. We will see he pitches moving forward, though tonight proves reason for minor worry. |
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August 9, 2008 Francisco Liriano will face a schedule featuring some of the weakest hitting teams in the majors over his last 10 starts, reports Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. If the rotation goes as planned, Liriano will face Kansas City three times, Oakland and Seattle twice, and also Detroit, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. Oakland, Seattle and K.C. rank 14th, 13th and 12th (out of 14 teams), respectively, in runs scored in the A.L. Tampa is 10th, and Cleveland is ninth. Our View:Only Detroit, who is second in runs, could be called formidable. This is great news for fantasy owners who have activated Liriano. He threw six innings of shutout ball in his first start, and based on this schedule, more performances like that could be on the way. |
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August 4, 2008 Francisco Liriano will make his next start on Saturday against the Royals, according to the Star Tribune. Glen Perkins will start Monday, so the Twins can split up their two lefties in the rotation. Our View:If the Twins stick with this plan, Liriano will miss the Yankees and face the Mariners on the next homestand, which could benefit fantasy owners as the Mariners remain the worst club in the AL. Liriano looked good while shutting down Cleveland Sunday, and should be penciled into fantasy lineups. |
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August 3, 2008 Francisco Liriano shut down the Indians on Sunday to earn his first major league victory since July 23rd, 2006. Liriano threw six scoreless innings during which time he walked three, gave up three hits and struck out five. Our View:A fantastic return for Liriano who was 10-0 with a 2.67 ERA in his last 11 starts at Triple-A. Perhaps Soriano can just get back to doing what he does best (throwing the ball) now that he is back where he belongs in the Twins starting rotation. |
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August 3, 2008 Minnesota pitcher Francisco Liriano will get the start when the Twins face the Cleveland Indians in the finale of a three-game series at the Metrodome on Sunday, according to the Miami Herald. Our View:The 24-year-old, who has struggled to an 0-3 record with a 11.32 earned run average, returns to the starting rotation for the first time since April 24th. As a rookie in 2006, the left-hander compiled a 12-3 record with a 2.16 ERA in 16 starts and 12 relief stints, helping the Twins claim the American League Central title. However, Liriano missed the entire 2007 season after developing elbow problems which resulted in Tommy John surgery. The young Dominican was sent to Triple-A Rochester after his early season struggles and dominated, going 10-0 with a 2.67 ERA in 11 starts. |
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August 1, 2008 Francisco Liriano, recalled to join the major league roster on Friday, is scheduled to pitch for the Twins on Sunday against the Indians, according to the Star Tribune. Our View:Glen Perkins will have his start pushed back to Monday, though eventually the team will try to split up the two lefties. Look for Liriano to try an make a statement after being left in the minors for so long by Twins management. |
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August 1, 2008 Francisco Liriano has been recalled to the Twins to take the roster spot of Livan Hernandez who was designated for assignment, according to the Associated Press. Our View:Liriano has been dominating Triple-A batters for about two months now, and the team will almost certainly allow him to continue to work his magic from the starting rotation after Ron Gardenhire's comments earlier today that Liriano is a starter not a reliever. |
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August 1, 2008 Twins hurler Francisco Liriano is likely on his way to the big leagues, possibly at the expense of Livan Hernandez's spot on the roster, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Our View:Liriano had 10 wins and a 3.28 ERA in Triple-A, so despite his earlier poor form in the major leagues, if he is on the waiver wire in your fantasy league, grab him now. |
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July 31, 2008 The Twins want to bring Francisco Liriano up from Triple-A ASAP, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Liriano is 9-0 with a 2.51 ERA and a 73/9 K/BB rate over his last 10 ten starts. Our View:We think the Twins will surely stick Liriano in the rotation and send Livan Hernandez to the bullpen. However, there's at least a possibility Liriano will first pitch out of the pen. |
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July 30, 2008 Francisco Liriano may soon be rejoining the Twins major league club, according to the Star Tribune. Our View:There is no news in the report about whether or not he would end up starting, but given that the team is considering dealing Boof Bonser to open up a spot for Liriano, it would seem that Liriano could be headed to the bullpen. Time will tell. |
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July 25, 2008 Francisco Liriano could get called up from Triple-A Rochester soon, but the Twins may use him in the bullpen rather than the rotation, according to the Star Tribune. Our View:The team seeks help in the bullpen, but may opt to promote from within rather than make a trade. A move could happen before Sunday, when Liriano is scheduled to make his next start with Rochester. |
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July 22, 2008 The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Francisco Liriano gave up no runs and only two hits and two walks in seven innings while striking out 10 for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. He threw 99 pitches, 62 for strikes, in improving to 9-2 with a 3.13 ERA at Rochester. Our View:It's hard to believe he is still in the minors and you have to believe the Twins will call him up soon. In his past five starts, he has a 0.26 ERA, with one earned run in 35 innings. In that time, he has struck out 42. |
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July 17, 2008 Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB.com that he is not happy with Francisco Liriano's grievance with the team. "I'm a little bit tired of that stuff," Gardenhire said. "We have a good team here. We are a game-and-a-half out, I come back into town, and we want to talk about the guy in Triple-A...I just back into town and I hear all this stuff, and Buster Olney is making my team up now and [Liriano's agent Genske] wants to tell me who is going to pitch here. No one is going to tell us who to put on our team and no one on ESPN is going to tell us who should pitch for my team." Our View:It's never a good idea to tick off the guy that decides your role. It's a very real possibility that the Twins have kept Liriano in the minors in order that he does not qualify for arbitration or as a Super Two player, but that's business and it shouldn't be a violation for the Twins. Liriano may have just bought himself some more time in the minors. |
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July 17, 2008 Francisco Liriano's agent (Greg Genske) has reportedly contacted the players' association about pursuing a grievance against the Twins, according to Fox Sports. The union agreed to investigate whether the Twins are violating the collective-bargaining agreement by keeping him at Triple-A Rochester. Liriano is extremely frustrated that he is still in the minor leagues and not pitching for the Twins. Genske claims that that the Twins are keeping him in the minors tp limit his major league service time, and his arbitration eligibility. Our View:Liriano has proven that he belongs with the Twins and is recovered from elbow-ligament transplant surgery, as he is 7-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his last nine starts with Rochester. His fastball is consistently in the mid-90s and touching 97 mph, according to scouts. |
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July 16, 2008 Francisco Liriano will be back with the Twins soon. The team just isn't sure yet what role he'll fill. Manager Ron Gardenhire has been adamant that when Liriano returns to Minnesota it will be as a starter, but assistant GM Rob Antony said the team will discuss the possibility of the lefty pitching out of the bullpen, according to the Pioneer Press. Liriano hasn't allowed a run in his past three starts for Triple-A Rochester. Our View:The more likely scenario has the Twins sending Livan Hernandez to the bullpen and inserting Francisco into the rotation. He should be up with the club soon. |
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July 12, 2008 Francisco Liriano has pitched well in three-consecutive starts with Triple-A Rochester, and manager Ron Gardenhire has taken notice, according to the Star Tribune. Gardenhire said, "Those are starting to get to be the numbers you are hoping for. When you haven't pitched in a long time it comes down to consistency and stretching out and he's doing it. He's done exactly what he's supposed to do." He is 7-0 in his past eight starts and has a scoreless streak of 21.1 innings, and his fastball is topping out at 95. Our View:Gardenhire is pleased with Liriano, but is also pleased with the current state of the Twins' starting rotation, and understands the importance of having depth in the minors. He could emerge as an option at some point after the All-Star break, however. |
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July 10, 2008 Francisco Liriano picked up his seventh victory on Thursday night as he held the Durham Bulls to just three hits and one walk over seven innings. He also struck out eight batters on the night. Our View:Liriano is just about "back" from his elbow surgery as he has now walked all of six batters in his last seven starts during which time he has 46 K. He will likely be called up to join the Twins rotation at some point shortly after the All-Star break. |
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July 8, 2008 Francisco Liriano is 6-0 with a 3.37 ERA and a 45:9 K:BB ratio over 42.2 innings since June 1. "It's a great feeling now because everything is working," Liriano told the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. "I think I'm close to where I need to be. I just need to continue doing what I'm doing right now." Our View:Liriano would be pitching for other teams, but the Twins have little use for him right now. Their starters have been lights out and the team is on a roll. Still expect to see him in majors before the end of the season. If he's on your waiver wire at the All-Star break, you should pick him up. |
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July 1, 2008 Francisco Liriano improved to 5-2 on Monday night by holding Lehigh Valley to zero runs in seven innings of work to bump his record to 5-2, according to MILB.com. Even more impressive than the seven shutout innings was the fact that he struck out nine while walking only one batter. Our View:Liriano has continued to struggle with his control and had given up 10 earned runs in his previous two outing (10.1 IP). This latest start might signal that he has turned the corner and put himself in a position to be recalled to join the big league club. |
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June 18, 2008 Francisco Liriano isn't on the verge of returning to the Twins, but the club could call him back up in July. "We're not going to force the issue. We'll let him get enough starts down there to where (the front office) feels comfortable," manager Rob Gardenhire tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "Whether it's at the All-Star break or right before that, I don't know." Liriano is 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA and .214 BAA this month. Our View:The Twins want to make fully certain that Liriano is ready this time, as they rushed him earlier this year. The southpaw doesn't figure to return to his 2006 form this year, but he could still help fantasy teams. |
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June 16, 2008 Francisco Liriano worked 7.1 innings against Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, and he allowed only five hits and two runs while improving to 3-2. The southpaw walked none, struck out five, and threw 62 of his 95 pitches for strikes. He has picked up a victory in each of his last three starts. Our View:We have to believe Liriano is getting closer and closer to a bump up to the majors. We don't know that we'll see a dominant Francisco this year, but he's beginning to look more like the hurler of old. |
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June 11, 2008 The Twins believe LHP Francisco Liriano could return to the club in short order, according to MLB.com. Our View: Liriano was solid on the mound on Tuesday for Triple-A Rochester, holding the Durham Bulls to one run over six innings. His control is still a bit off, but this gives Liriano three solid starts in rehab, going 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA. Manager Ron Gardenhire is adament that Liriano will be a starter when the does return, thus they want to insure he's ready to go when they make that call. |
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June 10, 2008 Francisco Liriano tossed six innings of one-run ball on Tuesday night. He allowed six hits, walked one, and struck out seven for Triple-A Rochester. Liriano owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over his last eight outings (51.0 innings). Our View:Liriano has struggled with his location and consistency, but he's still managed to post six quality starts over his last seven outings. We're sure the Twins management will be asked about him again on Tuesday night and Wednesday. |
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May 27, 2008 Minnesota LHP Francisco Liriano gave up six runs on seven hits through 6 2/3 innings on Monday, his latest rehab start for Triple-A Rochester, but the team continues to see progress in his work, according to MLB.com. Our View:The stats were atrocious to say the least, but manager Ron Gardenhire noted the bulk of the damage was done on one pitch (a grand slam) and that Liriano gave up just one walk and struck out four. The string of success in Rochester has some wondering if the Twins may attempt to bring Liriano back sooner rather than later, but you can bet the cautious approach will be the sell in Minnesota. |
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May 20, 2008 Francisco Liriano had another solid outing for Triple-A Rochester in a midday game against Syracuse on Tuesday. The left-hander allowed two runs on eight hits, walked one and struck out three in seven innings of work. Our View:The outing was Liriano's fourth straight solid minor league start. The team has not defined when he would return to the 25-man roster. |
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May 15, 2008 Liriano had his third straight solid minor league start on Thursday, allowing three runs on seven hits in eight innings. He walked one and struck out four. Our View:The results have been good, but Liriano’s strikeout rate and velocity is not what it was before he had Tommy John surgery. The Twins have no reason to rush him back, especially with the way Glen Perkins has pitched for the team recently. |
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May 11, 2008 Francisco Liriano worked six innings for Triple-A Rochester on Saturday. He allowed five hits and two runs, walked two, and struck out five. Liriano also added a wild pitch, and he threw 58 of his 91 pitches for strikes. Our View:We like the improved strikeout-to-walk ratio, but the pitch count numbers suggest Liriano is still having some control issues. The Twins don't have a timetable for his return. |
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May 7, 2008 The Star Tribune reports that Saturday actually is Francisco Liriano's next day to pitch. The Twins won't be recalling him this time, but Triple-A Rochester manager Stan Cliburn said the left-hander took a nice step forward Monday. Liriano held Columbus to one run on two hits over five innings, striking out four. Our View:This is better. Liriano was 0-2 with a 7.24 ERA in his four previous minor league starts. Cliburn said Liriano continued to struggle commanding his fastball, leading to four walks. There is no definitive timetable for the left-hander to return to the Twins starting rotation. |
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May 1, 2008 Francisco Liriano is continuing to work on his comeback from TJ surgery but he remains unable to locate his pitches and is still struggling at Triple-A Rochester, according to MLB.com. "I think he was a little confused, because he really thought that he had it all," manager Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday. "He thought he could come up here and dominate some people. It was an eye-opener for him, which is good. Because you need to have a little fear in you in this game -- it's not that easy." Our View:Liriano allowed 13 BB in 10.1 innings over three starts with the Twins, and he followed that up with five BB in 4.1 innings in his first minor league start. Everyone comes back from surgery differently, and while Liriano should one day reclaim his previous dominating form, it really was foolish for anyone to expect him to recapture his past glory starting in April. |
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April 26, 2008 Francisco Liriano could remain in the minors for a while according to the Star Tribune. Liriano is expected to start for Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, and the team told him he will be there for a while. Twins' pitching coach Rick Anderson stated, "Confidence comes with success. He's got to get down there and clear his mind, and he admitted to me that he's thinking too much about what he's doing. I asked him, 'How did you feel before you were hurt?' He said, 'I didn't think, I just threw.' He's not to that point yet. When he does get to that point, he will have success, and success breeds confidence." Our View:Liriano struggled over three starts, as he allowed 13 runs over 10.1 innings, with 13 walks and seven strikeouts. He held a 2.71 WHIP, and clearly wasn't ready to join the Twins' rotation yet. |
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April 25, 2008 The Minnesota Twins sent starting pitcher Francisco Liriano to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, this according to the Sports Network. Our View:With several days off in the next two weeks, the team will have their left-hander work on commanding his fastball on the farm. Liriano missed the entire 2007 season after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery and is 0-3 with an 11.32 earned run average in three starts this season. |
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April 24, 2008 Francisco Liriano allowed six runs on five hits and three walks while lasting just two outs against the A's on Thursday. Our View:Liriano looked terrible on the day taking 35 pitches to get just two outs. He is now 0-3 on the year with a 11.32 ERA and it just looks like Liriano doesn't belong anywhere near a major league mound right now. We don't know if the Twins will send him down to work on his location, but he should certainly be on your bench for the moment. |
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April 18, 2008 Francisco Liriano was a little bit better in his second start, but he still allowed four hits and five BB in just five innings to fall to 0-2. Liriano allowed three runs on the night as well. Our View:Liriano is having trouble throwing strikes and controlling the strike zone, and until his control returns he will be nothing more than an average major league hurler. The control should return, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen any time soon, so continue to be careful with him. |
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April 18, 2008 Francisco Liriano made a slight adjustment during his between-start bullpen session, and the small move apparently made a huge difference. "He was a totally different guy because the location of all his other pitches was great," pitching coach Rick Anderson tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Our View:Liriano did not post good numbers during his minor league rehab stint or in his first start back in the majors. We'll see on Friday if we have reason to be as excited as Anderson. |
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April 13, 2008 Francisco Liriano failed to impress in his first major league start since September 13, 2006. The southpaw allowed six hits and four runs over 4.2 innings against the Royals. Liriano struck out four batters, but he doomed himself with five walks. "I couldn't establish the fastball. I couldn't throw my fastball," Liriano tells the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "If I can establish my fastball, I can do better. I was kind of nervous the first couple of innings, but then I got loose." Our View:You can't expect anyone to dominate in their first major league game coming off Tommy John surgery. Liriano also didn't look sharp in his minor league outings, and we imagine it will simply take time for him to find his groove again. |
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April 11, 2008 Francisco Liriano will be called up to start on Sunday against the Royals, this according to the Star Tribune. The Twins will move Nick Blackburn back to throw on Monday and will place Kevin Slowey on the DL to make room for Liriano. Liriano hasn't looked very sharp in the minors so it might be wise to avoid starting him in his first couple of outings until he proves his control has returned. |
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April 11, 2008 Francisco Liriano could potentially start for the Twins on Tuesday, according to the Star Tribune. GM Bill Smith stated that the plan was for Liriano to remain with Triple-A Rochester and be prepared to pitch for the Red Wings on Sunday. That seemingly leaves a door open for the Twins to pull Liriano from that Triple-A start, so he could pitch for the Twins on Tuesday against Detroit. But since the weather forecast is questionable in Kansas City and Detroit, the Twins might get another rainout, which would give the team more time with Liriano, who has posted a 7.56 ERA in two minor league starts. We will continue to monitor the status of Liriano. |
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April 8, 2008 Francisco Liriano struggled again in his second rehab start Tuesday, giving up three runs on five hits, with three walks and three strikeouts for Triple-A Rochester. The lefty needed 88 pitches to get through four innings, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. A spot in the Twins rotation could be opened Sunday if Kevin Slowey is unable to pitch, but Liriano didn't exactly inspire confidence with his two rehab starts. We'll let you know what the Twins plan on doing with the prized southpaw. |
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April 8, 2008 Francisco Liriano could start on Sunday and replace the injured Kevin Slowey in the Twins rotation, if all goes favorably in tonight's Triple-A (Rochester) outing, according to the Star Tribune. Slowey sustained an arm injury and continues to feel slight stiffness, and will try playing catch on Wednesday. If he doesn't respond favorably on Wednesday, then Manager Gardenhire said, "The one thing we know is Liriano is right on line for Sunday, if we choose to go that way, if Slowey's not going to make it." Liriano went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA in 2006 and his fantasy stock is back on the rise. |
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April 7, 2008 Francisco Liriano will make his second minor league start this Tuesday, and if that outing goes well he could return to pitch for the Twins on Sunday if Kevin Slowey (biceps) is unable to go, this according to MLB.com. "First, we've got to see how [Liriano] does," Gardenhire said. "Then we'll make a decision on what we'll do. He should be stretched out to pretty close to 100 pitches tomorrow. Then we'll make a decision after the ballgame as to what we're going to do next. If it goes good, bring him up here." Even if he isn't called up later this week it appears that Liriano is very close to making his 2008 major league debut, so if you drafted him this season you are about ready to start reaping the reward for your patience. |
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April 4, 2008 Francisco Liriano is not an option to step into the rotation and replace the injured Kevin Slowey next week. The southpaw will work one more start for Single-A Fort Myers and could then work at Triple-A Rochester, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The Twins have not named a replacement starter for Slowey, but our guess is that Brian Bass and Glen Perkins are options. |
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April 3, 2008 Francisco Liriano was roughed up for four runs on six hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings in his rehab start for Single-A Fort Myers Thursday. He also committed an error but did finish with eight strikeouts. The original plan called for Liriano to make two rehab starts before rejoining the Twins rotation, but manager Ron Gardenhire recently said it could take longer than that. Given the results from tonight, perhaps the left-hander does need to spend a little more time on the farm before facing big league hitters. |
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April 3, 2008 It's possible Francisco Liriano will need more than two minor-league starts before rejoining the Twins rotation, according to MLB.com. "Two starts and we'll see where he's at," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I think with two starts, if everything continues on as is with him stepping up each time, he should be really close to being ready for here. But it has to continue. If he stays flat and stays about the same with his location and he's throwing the ball all over the place, then we'll extend [the Minor League stint] out. It's up to him now to keep elevating [his game]." The lefty will make his first minor-league appearance tonight for Single-A Fort Myers. He will then start in five days for Triple-A Rochester. Nick Blackburn had been the obvious choice to be sent down once Liriano is ready, but he pitched well Wednesday and Kevin Slowey left Thursday's start with an injury, so perhaps he'll need a DL stint. |
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March 28, 2008 Francisco Liriano will open the year at Single-A Fort Myers and pitch their season opener, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He'll then join Triple-A Rochester five days later and make a start for them before joining the Twins rotation. "By then, he should be stretched out to 100 pitches," manager Ron Gardenhire said, "and we'll bring him up with us." Coming back from Tommy John surgery, Liriano looked good in his final spring start Friday, but he's struggled overall. Barring a setback, it sounds like he'll be with the big club in mid-April. |
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March 28, 2008 Francisco Liriano did just about everything possible Friday to make a case for starting the season with the Twins. He allowed a lone run on three hits and two walks over five innings, while striking out seven, in his final spring performance. Whether he breaks camp with the Twins or heads to the minors to keep working his way back from Tommy John surgery is now out of his hands, but this was a great way to state his case for pitching in the bigs. |
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March 24, 2008 Despite his successful Sunday appearance, where Francisco Liriano threw four hitless innings, there are 13 pitchers left in Twins camp indicating the left-hander will start the season on the farm, this according to the Star Tribune. The report noted that with Liriano getting more work at Triple-A, Brian Bass will make the final cut. Until this actually happens, there is no word on how long the team would want their star left-hander to remain in rehab mode. |
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March 23, 2008 Francisco Liriano threw four hitless innings against Baltimore on Sunday, with two walks and five strikeouts. This was a great day for Liriano in a very important start, and he should get the green light heading into opening day. |
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March 22, 2008 Team officials report Sunday’s start against Baltimore could be the catalyst for decision on Francisco Liriano’s immediate future, according to MLB.com. The lefty has just two spring starts left and Sunday will be the 4th for the star who continues to recover from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow. Earlier starts have shown Liriano has perfect command of his pitches, but he has yet to let loose with his full arsenal of weapons. Further more, team insiders indicate there may be worries that Liriano is not being fully honest with his health status. During the 2006 season, Liriano had experienced similar issues and repeatedly told the Twins he was fine. The team put him back in action, he got hurt, and suddenly Liriano was in front of the press stating he had been telling the team he wasn’t feeling right all along. The desire is to avoid such misunderstanding and embarrassment this time around and, more importantly, to get Liriano pitching at full speed once more. If he goes full force on Sunday and does well, he should get the green light. If not, expect the Twins to proceed with caution. |
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March 17, 2008 Francisco Liriano had another shaky outing on Monday as he allowed three runs on five hits over three innings of work against Florida, with two walks and one strikeout. Liriano allowed three runs in his previous outing and his spring ERA dipped to 8.10. |
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March 12, 2008 Francisco Liriano struggled Wednesday in his second spring outing, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out one. The left-hander's 7.36 ERA so far in two spring games is unsightly, but the important thing is he appears to be healthy. Barring a setback, he should be good to go at the beginning of the season. |
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March 7, 2008 As expected, Francisco Liriano made his spring exhibition debut on Friday. He allowed a walk and two hits over 1 2/3 innings in his first action against major league opponents since September 2006. He's still expected to be ready to go at the start of the season, though he'll be on a pitch count of about 80-100 each game. |
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March 6, 2008 Francisco Liriano will make his spring debut on Friday, this according to a report on the AP. This will be Liriano's first appearance in the States since September 1st, 2006, so look for him to be amped for the outing. |
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March 5, 2008 Francisco Liriano felt good on Wednesday morning, one day after throwing 45 pitches in a bullpen session. He confirms with the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he will make his spring debut on Friday. |
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March 4, 2008 Francisco Liriano threw 45 pitches in a live BP session Tuesday with no problems. “I didn’t feel any pain, any soreness at all,” Liriano said in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I feel real good.” It was the second live BP session and fourth throwing session from a mound this spring for Liriano, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery. The lefty said that his fastball and changeup feel good, but that he's still holding back on his slider. Hopefully Liriano can get it all ironed out by the beginning of the season, which it sounds like he'll be ready for. |
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February 27, 2008 Francisco Liriano arrived in camp Wednesday after missing the first nine days because of visa problems, according to the AP. "We can start now," catcher Mike Redmond joked. "Franchise is here!" Liriano is coming back from Tommy John surgery, but there have been glowing reports about how he's thrown in his native Dominican Republic. His situation is one of the main things to keep tabs on this spring. |
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February 25, 2008 Francisco Liriano received his visa on Monday and was set to arrive at spring training on Tuesday according to a report on ESPN. "I obtained the visa, and I will go away tomorrow for training," Liriano said. Reports are that he is throwing well with no lingering issues in his surgically repaired elbow, but it will be nice to see him throwing on US soil. Liriano is one of the bigger gambles this year as you will likely have to overpay for his services, but if he is able to reclaim his form of two years ago, the price paid will have been well worth it. |
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February 25, 2008 The Twins Insider posted Monday that team officials said Francisco Liriano twice hit 97 miles an hour on the radar gun in a recent bullpen session. The report said that he pitched consistently at 92-95 MPH. Twins GM Bill Smith told the paper that Liriano, who is experiencing visa issues, was at the consulate in Santo Domingo this morning and could be in camp as early as Wednesday. |
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February 22, 2008 Francisco Liriano may not report until Tuesday next week according to Twins GM Bill Smith, in a report on the AP. Liriano has had visa problems getting out of the Dominican Republic the past week because of a DUI on his record from 2006. “We were hoping he would be able to get it today, but whatever the issue was, it wasn’t an issue with him,” Smith said. “It was more of a consulate issue.” None of this seems to have the team overly concerned. “He threw a couple innings in our academy this morning. He’s in good shape. He’s throwing. It’s all positive. It’s just a timing issue.” The team would love to have Liriano in camp as soon as possible to aide him in his comeback from TJ surgery, but everything should be cleared up soon. |
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February 18, 2008 According to the official team website of the Twins, there was still no word Sunday on exactly when left-hander Francisco Liriano will report to Spring Training. Twins general manager Bill Smith has not been in contact with Liriano's agent, Greg Genske, in the past two days. Liriano is having visa issues and is not being allowed to enter the United States. |
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February 14, 2008 Francisco Liriano is not being allowed to travel into the United States due to a problem with his visa. The StarTribune.com reports that the southpaw is having visa problems because of a drunken-driving arrest. The visa issue will cause Liriano to be late for the beginning of Spring Training. "(The Twins) told me to take it easy and not to worry, that everything is going to come out OK," Liriano said. Liriano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA in 2006 and says his surgically repaired elbow is ready for a full work load this spring. |
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January 27, 2008 Francisco Liriano said his surgically repaired elbow feels "great" and that there's "no soreness, no pain, nothing," according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Liriano missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery, but he's expected to be ready to roll in spring training and said he's already hitting 94-95 mph on the radar gun. He had a spectacular rookie campaign in 2006 (12-3, 2.16 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) before being felled by the elbow, so he has tremendous upside if he can avoid any setbacks. |