Liriano will start Sunday at KC

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: April 11, 2008 - 10:06 PM

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KANSAS CITY, MO. - The Twins promoted Francisco Liriano from Class AAA Rochester on Friday, scheduling him to pitch Sunday's game vs. the Royals, even though that went against the advice of the Rochester staff.

"Physically he's fine, but he's behind a bit as far as his command and control of pitches," Red Wings manager Stan Cliburn told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, shortly before learning of Liriano's promotion. "If the Twins needed a pitcher Sunday, we couldn't recommend him right now."

Liriano needed 88 pitches to get through four innings Tuesday at Class AAA Norfolk. In two minor league starts, including one for Class A Fort Myers, he posted a 7.56 ERA.

"I know the manager [Cliburn] said he thought he could probably use another start, but our goal was to give him a couple starts to get him stretched out arm-strengthwise," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "So we've done that. We know what he's going to do.

"He's going to have his innings where he might throw nine pitches and get three outs, and then he might throw 99 pitches and get no outs. He's going to hit and miss some. He did that even when he wasn't throwing great."

Sunday will be Liriano's first major league appearance since Sept. 13, 2006. He went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA as a rookie but underwent Tommy John elbow surgery that November.

Liriano, 24, had to brave the elements Tuesday in Norfolk, Va., where it was misting with a steady wind, and a game-time temperature of 48 degrees. The Twins were determined to keep Liriano on regular rest, so if he hadn't been promoted, he would have pitched Sunday in Rochester, N.Y., where it's expected to be 41 degrees with rain and snow showers.

Kansas City is actually expected to be a balmy 50 degrees on Sunday.

"I've been concerned about the weather, but if he pitched in what he pitched in the other day, they said that's as bad as it gets," Gardenhire said. "We can try to duck all we want, but it's not going to be any better there [in Rochester] for Sunday."

Liriano is expected to fly to Kansas City today.

"His arm's ready," Gardenhire said. "Now it's just about getting back to the major leagues and getting it over [the plate]. Very exciting. Very exciting."

Slowey hits disabled list

In a corresponding move, the Twins placed rightander Kevin Slowey on the disabled list because of a strained right biceps.

The move was made retroactive to April 4, so he is eligible to come off the DL next Saturday.

Etc.

• Gardenhire started Matt Tolbert at shortstop Friday night, citing a sore shoulder for Adam Everett and the cold weather. Everett said his arm strength has been lacking but said, "It's fine. It's getting better."

• The Twins sent outfielder Doug Deeds to the Cubs, completing their November trade for Craig Monroe. Deeds is a career .291 minor league hitter but was slated for a reserve role at Rochester.

• The Twins reacquired pitcher Tim Lahey on Friday after losing him in December's Rule 5 draft. He was recently designated for assignment by the Phillies. He will report to extended spring training in Fort Myers, Fla.

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