Liriano likely headed to DL

August 8, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Ryan Dodson

After clawing their way back into the wild-card race, the Minnesota Twins got the news Monday, Aug. 7, that they didn't want to hear. After a poor start Monday, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (forearm) is likely headed to the disabled list with soreness in his throwing forearm. Liriano said the pain started in the second inning (just before he gave up two two-run innings in a row,) and it continued to build throughout the game.

We don't need to tell you how devastating Liriano's injury can be, especially coming during the stretch run as it is. Liriano has put up unreal numbers this season, posting a 12-3 record with a 2.19 ERA. However, if you discount his last game against the Detroit Tigers, Liriano had an ERA of 1.96. And he was showing no signs of slowing down, going 4-1 with a 1.51 ERA in the month of July. He also ranks fourth in the American League in strikeouts (142), first in WHIP (1.01), batting average against (.206) and ERA (2.19) and second in winning percentage (.800). So with all those stats in your mind now, and knowing that you will lose that for the time being, you might be wanting to pack it in, but step back and we'll take a look at the positives of the situation.

First off, Liriano's injury is not related to the ligaments in his elbow, but rather the muscles surrounding the elbow. This is an immediate sign of relief, especially for those in keeper leagues, as anytime a ligament, especially the ulnar collateral ligament, is mentioned, you get horrible visions of the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Liriano could probably have pitched through the pain if the Twins needed him to, albeit he likely wouldn't have been his usual self. But the Twins wanted to protect the health of their Cy Young-candidate. With that said, this is an injury that has the potential to linger all season (similar to Washington Nationals starting pitcher John Patterson), and what he could need is just a long time off (ie. the offseason).

What else can you do to overcome this? Well, first look no further then the Twins Triple-A system. Uber prospect starting pitcher Matt Garza is all but assured of getting called up now. Garza has been lights out this season in the minors, starting the year at Class A Fort Myers and working his way up to the Triple-A affiliate Rochester. With Class A, he sported a 5-1 record, with a 1.42 ERA, before the Twins brought him to Double-A New Britain. He went 6-2, with a 2.51 ERA there, before getting the call to Rochester, where he went 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA. He is a strikeout machine, garnering 33 punchouts in 34 innings pitched with Rochester. It is thought the Twins had planned to bring him up and use him out of the bullpen, similar to what they did with Liriano last year and the beginning of this year, but this injury likely forces their hand a bit. He should definitely be picked up if he is available in your league.

Another pitcher who could be given another shot for the Twins is starting pitcher Boof Bonser. He has already had a few chances this season but has never had any real consistency. He started the year off going six innings and giving up just one run on five hits, but in his next start after that he gave up four and eight hits in five innings. In his last start (filling in for Liriano last week), he lasted just four innings, giving up seven runs (four earned) on six hits. He needs to put up better numbers, on a more consistent basis, but he is worth keeping an eye on.

After that, scour the free agency period and look for some two-start pitchers. The Twins are pushing hard for a playoff spot this year and will want to get Liriano back so he might not be out long. Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Jeremy Sowers, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester and Tampa Bay Devil Rays starting pitcher Tim Corcoran are all decent two-start pitchers who could fill in during Liriano's absence this week. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim SP Joe Saunders is also a good option to turn to after he piled up three wins with an ERA under two in his first handful of starts.

Either way, this will test your savvy as an owner, and you will definitely have to earn your championship this year.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

 

---

What do you think? We want to hear from you!

Name: E-mail: Please, enter the number that you see

Comment Guidelines

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

Talk Sports 24/7!
KFFL Sports Forums: Over 24,000 strong and growing!

Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: Ramon Hernandez hits DL (05/25)
Fantasy Baseball Player Prospecting: Travis d'Arnaud, Kevin Mattison, more (05/25)
Fantasy Baseball Diamond Market: DL for Marco Estrada (05/25)