2-step fiasco: Texas wins, Liriano out

It was bad enough that the Rangers turned the tables and shut out the Twins, and that Scott Baker was shelled for eight runs in 3 1/3innings. But most ominous is word that Francisco Liriano is hurting.

By Joe Christensen, Star Tribune

Last update: August 2, 2006 - 12:22 AM

Concerns have been mounting about the Twins' starting rotation in recent weeks: Brad Radke's shoulder; Carlos Silva's knee; Scott Baker's ineffectiveness.

On Tuesday, they added four words no Twins fan wanted to hear: Francisco Liriano's sore forearm.

On a night that saw Baker get pounded for eight runs in the fourth inning of a 9-0 loss to the Texas Rangers, that was far from the most harrowing news at the Metrodome.

Liriano, the outstanding rookie, will miss today's start because of inflammation in his left forearm. Boof Bonser was promoted from Class AAA Rochester to pitch today's series finale against the Rangers.

The Twins, who fell two games behind the Yankees and White Sox for the wild-card lead, continued juggling their roster after their loss.

They optioned Baker and infielder Terry Tiffee to Rochester, making room for Bonser and reliever Matt Guerrier.

Manager Ron Gardenhire missed a second consecutive game because of flu-like symptoms, so his coaches filled in the blanks about Liriano's injury, trying to sound as positive as possible.

Liriano, 22, has emerged as a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidate, going 12-2 with a 1.96 ERA.

But he felt soreness during his bullpen session Sunday and underwent an MRI exam. Team physician John Steubs found the inflammation in the forearm muscle, but the elbow joint was fine.

"If we were later on in September, we would [let Liriano pitch]," pitching coach Rick Anderson said. "It's just more of a precaution.

"You know the kid. You don't want to mess with him. If we run him out there, and he's not 100 percent, and something happens, you'd never forgive yourself."

Anderson said Liriano would make his next start Sunday or Monday.

"It's not a big deal," Liriano said before leaving the clubhouse. "I'll be back on Monday."

Baker wasn't sure when he'd be back after falling to 3-7 with a 6.93 ERA.

Most of the damage in the fourth inning came after he got ahead of Texas hitters with two strikes. They capitalized on a Nick Punto throwing error that inning and piled up six hits, including back-to-back home runs by Gary Matthews Jr. and Hank Blalock.

Matthews hit a majestic grand slam about 10 rows into the right-field upper deck for the biggest blow of the night.

"I can understand," Baker said of his latest demotion. "I can't be mad at the situation. I'm not providing the good starts that the team needs. It's as simple as that."

Bonser went 2-2 with a 5.30 ERA in seven starts with the Twins earlier this season before getting sent back to Rochester. He has pitched better for the Red Wings of late, however, and returns with a Class AAA record of 6-4 and 2.84 ERA.

Bonser's last start came Saturday, so he'll be making today's start on three days' rest.

But with Liriano down, "the other guys have to pick it up, that's all," Twins third base coach Scott Ullger said.