MINNEAPOLIS — Francisco Liriano will get the start when Minnesota opens the AL playoffs next month, manager Ron Gardenhire announced Wednesday.
“He’s been winging it pretty good,” Gardenhire said.
Liriano is 14-8 with a 3.44 ERA in 29 starts, including 6-1 in his past 10. The left-hander will have six days’ rest between his final regular-season and first playoff starts. Carl Pavano is scheduled to pitch Game 2, followed by Brian Duensing. Nick Blackburn will be the fourth starter if the Twins use a four-man rotation.
Footnotes.
Giants center fielder Andres Torres, who had an appendectomy Sept. 12, could be ready to play this weekend at Colorado, according to manager Bruce Bochy.
• First baseman Adam Dunn left Washington’s game against the Astros with a bruised right elbow after getting hit by a pitch from Wandy Rodriguez.
• Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged with seven counts of criminal contempt for sending his girlfriend dozens of text messages begging for forgiveness, violating a restraining order issued after he was accused of attacking her father.
• Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina has returned to St. Louis to undergo an MRI on his right knee and will miss at least two games.
The Associated Press
