FORT MYERS, FLA. -- After pitching six shutout innings with eight strikeouts Tuesday, Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano said he will be the team's fifth starter, pitching his first game April 9 at Chicago.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said he hasn't made any announcements regarding the fifth starter, but pitching coach Rick Anderson confirmed it. Liriano will remain in Fort Myers to make one more start before rejoining the Twins in Anaheim, Calif.
In other developments:
(*) LHP Jose Mijares has been experiencing blurry vision and saw an eye doctor today. He might not pitch Wednesday, as scheduled.
(*) RHP Clay Condrey has arm stiffness, and Gardenhire said the team would see where he's at in the next day or two.
(*) LHP Ron Mahay had a 1-2-3 outing on the minor-league side today. The Twins were encouraged.
(*) LHP Glen Perkins gave up two runs in two innings in a minor-league start, but Gardenhire said he pitched much better than his line.
(*) Gardenhire and GM Bill Smith are meeting to discuss the roster, and the big topic will be the backup catching spot -- Wilson Ramos vs. Drew Butera. On Tuesday, Ramos hit a home run over the center field batter's eye. It's clear Gardenhire wants Ramos to make the team, but it'll be an organizational decision.
