Slowey leaves game, might miss start

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: April 3, 2008 - 11:46 PM

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Twins righthander Kevin Slowey could miss his next start after leaving Thursday's 5-4 loss in the fourth inning because of a strained right biceps.

Slowey will be re-evaluated today, and manager Ron Gardenhire hinted that the team might use Tuesday's open date to skip Slowey's next turn, while keeping the rest of the starters on regular rest.

Gardenhire pulled Slowey after watching him shake his right arm between pitches. Slowey said the arm hadn't troubled him in the past.

"It's definitely new for me, and it's the worse feeling in the world, not feeling 100 percent out there," Slowey said. "But the last thing you want to do is be out there and not giving your team a chance to win."

Slowey retired the first six hitters he faced before giving up three runs in the third, including two on a homer by Gary Matthews Jr.

Liriano not an option

Francisco Liriano made the first of two minor league rehab appearances on Thursday night, for Class A Fort Myers.

Liriano went 5 1/3 innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs. He walked two and struck out eight.

The Twins also want him to make one start for Class AAA Rochester before clearing him to pitch in the majors. Liriano is coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery, which he had done in November 2006.

Gardenhire said Liriano was not a candidate to come up immediately if Slowey needs to go on the disabled list.

"We will not adjust his schedule because of something that happens up here," Gardenhire said. "Only when Liriano's ready, and that's a couple of starts at least."

Hunter finds his stroke

After going hitless in his first 10 at-bats, Torii Hunter managed some success against his old team before skipping town.

He singled in his final two at-bats in the Angels' 1-0 victory on Wednesday, then hit a home run off Twins rookie Brian Bass in the seventh inning Thursday, extending the Angels' lead to 4-2.

"The first two days, they had ceremonies [honoring him] and my rhythm was broke," Hunter said. "It was very emotional for me. The third and fourth game, I was pretty good."

Gomez keeps bunting

Carlos Gomez is batting .375 (6-for-16), with at least one hit in all four games.

He sparked the Twins with a drag bunt in the sixth inning, reaching second when third baseman Chone Figgins' throw sailed into foul territory.

One night earlier, Gomez struck out trying to get down a key bunt in the ninth inning of a 1-0 loss.

"I tell you [Wednesday], I'm a good bunter," Gomez said. "And I try to put bunt down every day, no matter what. That's my game, and I try to do it every day."

Hunter had more praise for the Twins' new center fielder.

"Once somebody gets a hold of him, and he learns how to play the game the right way, it's over," Hunter said. "That guy is a sick talent. That guy has way more talent than I had when I was growing up."

Etc.

• Lefthander Glen Perkins started and went three innings in Rochester's 9-5 victory over Richmond on Thursday night. Perkins gave up four hits, one earned run and walked five. He struck out four.

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