OAKLAND, CALIF. -- Francisco Liriano returns to the mound Friday, as the Twins open a three-game set against the Athletics.
Liriano allowed just one run in each of his first two starts after the All-Star break but gave up four runs in 2 1/3 innings in Sunday's 5-2 loss to Detroit.
The A's counter with lefthander Gio Gonzalez, who is having a terrific season but got roughed up in his last start, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Yankees.
Trevor Plouffe is getting the start at second base, while Danny Valencia and Tsuyoshi Nishioka are both on the bench.
Correction from earlier post: The A's have used the DL 11 times this year, not 25. Not even the Twins have used it 25 times this year, just 18.
Updates to come...
TWINS (49-56)
1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, 1B
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Jason Kubel, DH
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Luke Hughes, 3B
8. Matt Tolbert, SS
9. Drew Butera, C
