Liriano's AAA start April 8th, 2008 at 9:19 pm

By Kris Richardson

With Kevin Slowey questionable for his next start and Francisco Liriano’s cycle in the rotation aligning with Slowey’s, there’s been much speculation that Sunday could mark the return of Liriano.

He pitched his second game at the minor league level, this time for AAA Rochester. The box score doesn’t provide much optimism for a Sunday return. He left the game with just 4.0 IP and allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. He threw 88 pitches; 53 for strikes, and struck out 3.

It’s hard to take much from just looking at one box score, but no matter how you spin it, 88 pitches is a lot for just 4 innings. The 2 Alexi Casilla errors didn’t help his cause, but it was the walk and 2 doubles that were Liriano’s undoing in the 4th.

The decision for Sunday still largely hinges on Slowey’s health. The only other 2 realistic options currently on the Twins’ 40-man roster are:

Phillip Humber. Options mayl become an issue for him. I believe he has just one remaining, so it may be senseless to use that up on what will likely be a short stint in the majors until Slowey can get healthy.
Glen Perkins. Perkins has pitched in just one game and his turn in the Rochester rotation comes up again tomorrow. He hasn’t worked his pitch count up, but he’s still a viable option.

Slowey plans to throw again on Wednesday, and if all goes well, throw a bullpen session on Thursday.

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5 Comments

Nate wrote: April 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

I think we have become so accustomed to this guy being lights out every time, and so when he does poorly, we overreact. I think he will be fine and will be called up this week.

The Fuzz wrote: April 9th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

We were at the game last night check us out for in depth review and PICTURES

the fuzz wrote: April 9th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

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JRGS wrote: April 9th, 2008 at 4:14 pm

I personally don't have a problem with the Twins calling Liriano up and letting him figure things out in the majors instead of the minors. Let's be honest, Liriano at 80% is better than any other options the Twins have.