Everett activated after shoulder problems

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: May 1, 2008 - 12:30 PM

The Twins activated Adam Everett from the disabled list after Wednesday's game and sent infielder Brian Buscher back to Rochester.

Everett has had two cortisone shots for his strained right shoulder, and the second one helped. He tested his arm before the game and made several strong throws.

Everett, 31, said the shoulder actually started bothering him this spring.

"Everybody goes through tired arm in spring training," he said. "Instead of taking care of it, I just pushed through it. It feels really good now. Best I've felt in a long time."

Gardy: Liriano "confused"

Francisco Liriano had another humbling performance for Class AAA Rochester on Wednesday, just as Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was suggesting a little humbling might do the lefthander some good.

Speaking before the Twins' 4-3 victory over the White Sox, Gardenhire reflected on the team's handling of Liriano, who is 17 months removed from major elbow surgery.

The Twins shipped him back to Rochester last week after he went 0-3 with an 11.32 ERA in three big league starts.

"I think that he was a little -- how would I put it? -- confused," Gardenhire said. "Because he really thought he had it all. He thought he could come up here and dominate some people. And it was an eye opener for him, which is good. Because you need to have a little fear in you in this game."

As Gardenhire said this, Liriano was taking the mound in Rochester, N.Y.

An hour later, Liriano had turned in this line against Pawtucket: 4 1/3 innings, five hits, four runs (all earned), five walks and three strikeouts.

He threw 51 of 94 pitches for strikes.

"I think one of the issues we had is I don't think he believed he belonged in the minor leagues, and I don't think his agent believed, so I think we all saw that he needs work," Gardenhire said. "Everybody saw it -- the fans, our staff. We needed to see where he was at and what he could and couldn't do.

"So it was a learning experience and probably a really good one. I think he'll just get better for it -- if he goes down there with a good attitude and works."

In six starts -- one for Class A Fort Myers, two for Rochester and three for the Twins -- Liriano has given up 23 walks and 23 hits in 24 innings.

Mauer's streak ends

Joe Mauer went 0-for-3 with a walk, stopping his 11-game hitting streak.

It was impressive he played at all, with a day game after a night game. Gardenhire said it helped having off days Monday and today.

Mauer has started 23 of 27 games, all at catcher. But beginning Tuesday, the Twins are scheduled to play 40 games in 41 days.

"When we get into [that stretch], I'm sure we'll give him a few days [off]," Gardenhire said.

Baker passes test

Scott Baker, who left his last start because of a mild groin injury, breezed through a bullpen session and should be able to make Saturday's start against Detroit, Gardenhire said.

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