Southpaw to remain for two starts; Blackburn makes rotation.
A conservative approach has been taken in the decision on how to handle Francisco Liriano coming out of spring training. After rehabbing his arm, and entering camp late, the Twins have stated that the 2006 phenom will be allowed additional time to prepare. Ron Gardenhire believes is the best course of action:
"...another start or two is the right thing. We'll get his pitch count up there close to 100 pitches in a couple starts, and we're going to do everything that's right for him."
Gardenhire added that Liriano will be re-evaluated following his two starts, and that a decision on how to proceed would be made at that time.
In the interim, 26-year old Nick Blackburn has been awarded a spot in the starting rotation. He's scheduled to take the hill Wedesday, the third game of the season and the third game of the series against the Angels. In six appearances this spring, Blackburn has struck out eight in sixteen innings, while walking five with a 2.25 ERA.