Hendriks sharp against Red Sox
FORT MYERS, FLA. - Recent concern over Scott Baker's elbow makes one wonder about what contingency plans the Twins might have if he can't make the Opening Day roster.
Since it's spring training, there's time for someone to make himself a contingency plan. Righthander Liam Hendriks could become that guy.
Hendriks, who debuted with the Twins last September, looked sharp on Friday during the Twins' 2-1 victory over the Red Sox at JetBlue Park. He tossed three scoreless innings, holding Boston to one walk while striking out four. It was his first start after making three relief appearances.
"I executed real well," Hendriks said. "I got lucky on a couple pitches that I hung but managed to bury them the next time. It was my first start of spring training. I think I'm a little more used to that role, taking time to get loose and it just felt a lot better."
He got three groundouts in the first, shook off a walk to David Ortiz in the second then struck out two in the third. In seven innings this month, Hendriks has not given up an earned run on five hits and two walks with nine strikeouts.
Hendriks, the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2011, began last season at Class AA New Britain but was promoted to Rochester in July then joined the Twins late in the year, going 0-2 in four starts with a 6.17 ERA.
"This is my first big league camp," said Hendriks, a 23-year-old native of Perth, Australia. "So it's good to be throwing the ball well and opening some eyes a little bit more."
Burton's first struggle Righthander Jared Burton, who didn't give up a hit or run in his first four appearances this spring, took the loss in Friday's 3-1 defeat to the Orioles at Hammond Stadium.
