Liriano’s Rotation Spot On The Line

Joe Christensen (Star Tribune) reports Minnesota Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire said pitcher Francisco Liriano will make his next start but acknowledged that could be it, if things don’t improve.  Liriano has a 4-11 record with a 5.63 ERA so far this season.

“We’re talking about a lot of different things,” Gardenhire said. “The one thing we don’t want to see is him get too far in the dumps. This guy’s got a high ceiling; he’s got great pitches. Right now, he’s pretty frustrated, and we’ll talk about that.

“I plan on him probably going out there and making his next start, but I’ll talk with [pitching coach Rick Anderson], and we’ll see where we’re at.

“The options are very limited, we can’t go with a four-man rotation. We just don’t have much starting pitching left. It’s not like we can say, ‘Take him out and put those other guys in.’ You start telling me who those other guys are, I’m sure some fans have some ideas, but they’re not on our ballclub.”

The Twins’ options are indeed very limited.  General manager Bill Smith undoubtedly continues to scour the waiver wire for pitching help, but deals are more difficult to make after the non-waiver trade deadline.  If no trade can be made, the Twins have a limited selection to choose from in their farm.

Pitcher Anthony Swarzak, who was called up earlier for the second time, has already taken injured pitcher Kevin Slowey’s spot in the rotation.  Current starters at AAA Rochester do not appear ready to join the Twins yet, especially since the Twins need someone with experience to help them in their pennant race.

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