Liriano to start season in minors

[Outdoors Junkie]

03/28/2008 4:59 PM ET
Liriano won't break camp with Twins
Team hopes to build left-hander up in two Minor League starts
By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com 


 
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Francisco Liriano will make at least two Minor League starts before joining the Twins' rotation, manager Ron Gardenhire announced Friday.
The decision came moments after Liriano made his final spring start against the Pirates. He pitched five innings Pittsburgh, giving up one run on three hits. The left-hander threw around 74 pitches, striking out seven and walking two. His lone run allowed came on a solo home run to left field by third baseman Jose Bautista. It was Bautista's second homer of the spring and came on a full count.

Liriano's command improved as his outing progressed. He looked a tad shaky in the first inning, which included a four-pitch walk to the second batter he faced. But after a 21-pitch second inning, Liriano didn't throw more than 13 pitches in each of his next three innings. During that time, he appeared as if he was starting to really lock in, as he threw most of his pitches for strikes.

It was another step in Liriano's progress, but the club felt that a few additional starts will help the pitcher, who arrived late to camp due to visa troubles and is just 16 months removed from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow.

The Twins optioned Liriano to Class A Fort Myers after the game, and he will get the start Thursday in the Miracle's season opener at Hammond Stadium. Liriano will then join Triple-A Rochester five days later for a start in Norfolk, Va. After that start, he's expected to rejoin the Twins.

"Yes, he could probably go with us [now] and do as good as a lot of pitchers in this league," Gardenhire said. "But another start or two is the right thing. We'll get his pitch count up there close to 100 pitches in a couple starts, and we're going to do everything that's right for him."

"After those two games, we'll see exactly [where he's at]. He should be up to 100 pitches and then we'll bring him with us."

Liriano had not been informed of the decision when reporters talked to him after his start. But he said he was fine with whatever the team had planned for him.

"I think I'm ready to start in Minnesota," Liriano said. "If they want me to start [in Fort Myers], I will start here. If they feel it's better for me, I don't mind starting here."

Right-hander Nick Blackburn will take the final spot in the rotation, pitching Wednesday in the Twins' third game of the season.

[thunderpout]

Thats good...nice to see them being cautious...He seems to be pretty strong and even tossin the slider too...

[Outdoors Junkie]

I think he will be a very good pitcher for years to come.  No need to rush him and risk injury.

[Joe]

Totally agree. Liriano is young and could easily become another Santana. No need to rush.