Liriano will make spring debut today

Marlin Levison, Star Tribune

Francisco Liriano

Last update: March 7, 2008 - 12:34 PM

FORT MYERS, FLA. - The Twins will allow Francisco Liriano to throw between 45 and 50 pitches when he makes his spring training debut today against Boston.

It will be Liriano's first major league opponent since Sept. 2006, when he strained an elbow ligament and needed Tommy John surgery.

Results won't be the main goal as Liriano begins one of the final phases of his comeback.

"We just want him to see hitters, get a feel for it and get him started,'' Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said.

Liriano, who reported to camp nine days late because of visa issues, has thrown twice in the bullpen and two batting practice sessions. While he's shown good command of his fastball and changeup, he's struggled spotting his slider.

Barring setbacks, Liriano still has time to pitch his way into the Twins' Opening Day rotation.

Cuts are coming

The Twins will make their first cuts of spring training this weekend, which will allow manager Ron Gardenhire to focus more on the players who have a real shot at making the club.

Because of the number of pitchers in camp and Tuesday's rainout in St. Petersburg, the Twins have been unable to get a good look at some pitchers. Bobby Korecky and Carmen Cali, for instance, have faced only four batters.

Minor leaguers report to camp on Saturday, so players cut can take part in workouts down the road.

"We got so many pitchers in camp were going to have to start changing numbers here,'' Gardenhire said. "We're going to have to do some things this weekend.''

Young might bat fifth

We've already learned that Gardenhire wants to bat Justin Morneau in the cleanup spot this season. He said Thursday that Delmon Young, who's batting .615, might bat fifth. That suggests that Joe Mauer would bat second and Michael Cuddyer third.

"Right now he really looks nice behind Mourny,'' Gardenhire said. "I don't know how else we are going to protect [Morneau].''

Young went 3-for-3 Thursday and smacked a two-run single in the first inning. He leads the team with four RBI.

Etc.

• Mike Lamb tripped and fell during Guillermo Quiroz's RBI single to left in the third inning, drawing laughs from the dugout and pressbox. Lamb remained seated on the ground for a few moments, then got up and doffed his cap as fans applauded.

• Second baseman Alexi Casilla committed an error in the second inning when he fielded a grounder up the middle and tried a fancy flip throw to try to force a runner at second. The throw pulled Adam Everett off the bag. "No sense in trying to ricochet the ball,'' Gardenhire said.

• Righthander Matt Guerrier has not been with the club this week. He was given permission to fly home to Alabama to deal with a family medical issue.

Upcoming

The Twins have a pair of games today. Liriano will start opposite Red Sox righthander Clay Buchholz in Fort Myers. Lefthander Glen Perkins will face Toronto righthander A.J. Burnett in Dunedin.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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