April 24, 2008
Did the Twins Rush Liriano?
Francisco Liriano didn't get out of the first inning today:
Liriano was done after Davis' first single and just 35 pitches in a first inning that lasted 29 minutes. The left-hander, who is struggling mightily to command the strike zone after returning from Tommy John surgery in November 2006, allowed six runs and five hits, walked three and didn't have a strikeout.
"He just had no command in the zone," Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I don't think he has a lot of confidence right now. You build confidence by going back out there and pitching, and he'll do that. The kid couldn't get out of an inning."
It was the shortest outing by a Twins starter since May 30, 2002, when Brad Radke lasted only one-third of an inning against the Angels before leaving with an injury.
"I just have to get better from where I started," Liriano said. "I was feeling good in the bullpen, but when I got out there everything changed. I don't know what it is. I have to put that aside and work on some things, try not to walk so many guys."
I wonder if Liriano is worried about injuring the arm again. It can't be pleasent to have something snap in your arm, and maybe without the violent delivery, he's just not the same pitcher. The majors isn't the place to learn how to pitch again, however. The Twins should think about sending him back to AA until he can show his command has returned.
Posted by David Pinto at
10:51 PM
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I wouldn't be unhappy if they sent him back over here to Rochester (Twins AAA team) for a few get-back-in-the-groove starts.