Blogs

Francisco Liriano

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
L
Throws
L

Contract: Signed though 2009

  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 185 lbs
  • Born: Oct 26, 1983

  • Debut: September 5, 2005

SEASON

IPWSKERA
136.2501225.80

Newsbreakers

September 27, 2009

Francisco Liriano lasted just 1.2 innings of a 4-1 on Sunday against the Royals. He was pulled after allowing three runs on three hits and three walks and was charged with his 13th loss of the season.

Our View:

What a wasted season for Liriano. He's 5-13 with a 5.88 ERA and you have to go back to August 12th for his last quality start. Or the last start he lasted more than 2.1 innings for that matter.

September 9, 2009

Francisco Liriano has been activated from the 15-day DL following his recovery from left arm fatigue, according to the Sports Network.

Our View:

Liriano is 5-12 with a 5.80 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 23 starts, and is expected to work out of the Twins' bullpen upon his return, hence dropping his fantasy stock lower.

September 8, 2009

Francisco Liriano (elbow) threw a successful simulated game on Tuesday, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Liriano is now expected to be activated tomorrow, and to be available of the Twins' bullpen starting on Thursday. In 127.1 innings this season, he has a 5.80 ERA.

September 7, 2009

Francisco Liriano is slated to throw a simulated game Tuesday, according to MLB.com. He has been on the DL since August 18 while recovering from left arm fatigue.

Our View:

Liriano will throw for around 10-12 minutes, and could be activated before the end of the week if he fares fine without any issues.

September 2, 2009

Francisco Liriano could move to the bullpen when ready to return from the DL, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Liriano is dealing with arm fatigue, but felt great during a bullpen session today. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but it is uncertain when he may return to Minnesota. His fantasy stock will take a hit if taken out of the rotation and moved to the pen.

August 27, 2009

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Francisco Liriano received a cortisone shot in his left elbow Wednesday.

Our View:

On the DL with arm fatigue since August 18th, Liriano has had a nightmare season. Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire says despite getting the shot, he isn't counting on the struggling starter to return to the rotation this season. Even if Liriano miraculously recovered from the elbow strain, his struggles go deeper than that and the Twins would likely keep him on the shelf regardless.

August 26, 2009

MLB.com is reporting that tests on the arm of Twins' pitcher Francisco Liriano revealed no damage. Liriano has been on the DL since August 18 with arm fatigue.

Our View:

This is good news for Liriano, as it looks like it really is just fatigue. It is unclear if he will return to the mound this season, but it seems likely that the Twins may keep him on the DL based on his poor play this season.

August 18, 2009

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Twins have placed starting pitcher Francisco Liriano on the 15-day DL with arm fatigue. He will be replaced on the roster by Phillip Humber, who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester.

Our View:

Liriano looked to be on track after an excellent start his previous time out, but he was just awful against the Rangers last night. He has lost almost all fantasy value, and a DL trip could be the best possible outcome for anyone who was still putting him in the fantasy lineup every fifth day.

August 17, 2009

Francisco Liriano was lit up for seven earned runs on seven hits over a mere two innings in Monday's 8-5 loss at Texas. He had two walks and one strikeout.

Our View:

Liriano falls to 5-12, and was a grave disappointment after only allowing one earned run over seven innings in his last start against the Royals. He looks to remain an unstable fantasy hurler.

August 12, 2009

Francisco Liriano looked like the Liriano of old on Wednesday. He dominated the Royals, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk over seven innings and fanned eight in the 7-1 victory.

Our View:

Liriano returned to the team after attending to a family matter and was lights out. Whatever he did to clear his head, let's hope it sticks, because he's been a depressing fantasy player so far this season.

August 6, 2009

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Francisco Liriano has left the team to attend a family matter.

Our View:

The Twins are considering skipping his next start in the rotation. With Monday's off-day the other four pitchers would still be able to go on normal rest, and no one would have to witness another brutal performance by Liriano on the mound. The team is hoping that clearing his head and dealing with whatever is bothering him will translate into better performances by him every fifth day. If he struggles upon his return though, it could be curtains for Liriano's starter status.

August 6, 2009

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, struggling starter Francisco Liriano could lose his spot in the rotation.

Our View:

Manager Ron Gardenhire conceded that Liriano will make his next start, but if he falters that could be it. The Twins don't have many options to replace him should he get relegated to the bullpen, which is probably why he hasn't been demoted yet, but if he performs poorly enough they will get him out of there. He has had a sensationally disappointing season to date, going 4-11 with a 5.63 ERA.

August 5, 2009

Francisco Liriano was roughed up for four earned runs on eight hits over five innings in Wednesday's 8-1 loss at Cleveland. He had four walks and four strikeouts.

Our View:

He missed his last start due to soreness in his left forearm, and that could be to blame for his disappointing short outing tonight. He is now winless over his last five starts, and was dealt his 11th loss.

August 4, 2009

Francisco Liriano is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Indians, according to the Associated Press. He missed his last start due to soreness in his left forearm.

Our View:

Liriano should be fine to pencil into lineups for Wednesday, namely with a favorable match-up against Cleveland.

August 1, 2009

Francisco Liriano (forearm) remains on track to start next Wednesday, MLB.com. He missed his previous outing due to forearm inflammation.

Our View:

The Twins were off on Thursday and are off again on Monday, so they would have had the option of pushing Liriano back a little more without too much trouble. It's a good sign that they are opting to keep Liriano on schedule.

July 29, 2009

Updating a previous report, Francisco Liriano (forearm) will indeed miss his next scheduled start, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Our View:

There is no word on whether this injury will require a DL stint, but being hospitalized for a swollen forearm is never a good sign. Brian Duensing will get the start in Liriano's place.

July 29, 2009

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Francisco Liriano went to the hospital on Tuesday night due to swelling in his left forearm. He had an MRI and could miss Wednesday's schedule start. If he cannot start against the White Sox, the Twins will turn to either R.A. Dickey or Brian Duensing.

Our View:

The fact that Liriano went to the hospital just last night for an injury to his pitching arm indicates to us that he is unlikely to start tonight. The Twins lost Kevin Slowey for the season earlier this week, so the timing of this is certainly poor.

July 19, 2009

Francisco Liriano was solid on Sunday but he did not factor into the decision as the Twins fell 5-3 to the Rangers in 12 innings. Liriano went six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits while walking three and striking out six.

Our View:

Liriano was good tonight, and fantasy owners will take six strikeouts in six innings. The walk total was down tonight, and if he keeps his control in check he can be better than his 4-9 record would indicate. He should still be viewed as inconsistent when assessing his fantasy worth.

July 9, 2009

Francisco Liriano fell to 4-9 on Thursday as the Twins dropped the afternoon game to the Yankees by a score of 6-4. Liriano went 5.1 innings and allowed six runs (three earned) on seven hits while walking two and striking out five.

Our View:

Liriano didn't have the good stuff today, but his defense didn't help his cause much either. He has been wildly inconsistent, and his fantasy value is very limited right now. He can still give you a solid start every once in a while, but it may not be worth putting up with the bad ones anymore.

July 4, 2009

Francisco Liriano went seven innings for the second straight start on Saturday, but took a no-decision as the Twins beat the Tigers 4-3.

Our View:

After looking horrible for most of 2009, Liriano appears to finally be rounding into form. If he's available in your league, he could be worth an add, and is also a good candidate to buy low from frustrated owners.

June 28, 2009

Francisco Liriano was very good on Sunday in the Twins' 6-2 win over the Cardinals. Liriano went seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits while walking two and striking out six.

Our View:

Liriano showed today that he still has the stuff to be a very good starter, but he has to get some consistency. When he is good, he can dominate like he did today. When he is bad, he tends to be really bad, so fantasy owners need to keep that in mind.

June 23, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed three earned runs on seven hits over five innings in Tuesday's 7-3 win at Milwaukee. He issued five walks with six strikeouts.

Our View:

It was a sloppy outing for Liriano, but his teammates provided enough offensive firepower for him to collect his third win of the season. He snapped a six-game skid without a win, and looks to remain an unstable fantasy option for his next trip to the hill.

June 23, 2009

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that Twins' starter Francisco Liriano has eliminated a pitch from his repertoire in hopes of turning his season around. Liriano threw two different versions of a slider, but he has eliminated one of them after he gave up a home run with it is his last start.

Our View:

Liriano said that his sharp slider is his out pitch, but he also threw a slider with a shorter break, which is the pitch he is eliminating. It is hard to believe that one pitch will make much of a difference, but watch tonight to see if he performs any better.

June 17, 2009

Francisco Liriano completed seven innings, but still took the loss in Minnesota's 8-2 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday. He allowed four runs on eight hits, including two home runs. He walked one while striking out six.

Our View:

Yes, Liriano is having a very frustrating season, and this is a game he should have won. But he did last seven innings, and his control was not a problem. Hanging sliders seemed to be his bugaboo tonight.

June 11, 2009

Francisco Liriano noted that he was pitching better after his second quality outing in as many starts on Wednesday, according to the Star-Tribune. "I was throwing the ball down," he said. "I think my mechanics are getting better, too. I think I've just got to stay more relaxed and not try to make perfect pitches. I told myself to calm down."

Our View:

Despite the two quality outings, he has not picked up a win in either. It is a promising sign that he's no longer getting crushed and there's still a lot of potential for him to make a major fantasy impact going forward.

June 6, 2009

Francisco Liriano only allowed one earned run on three hits over six innings in Friday's 2-1 win at Seattle. He issued four walks with five strikeouts.

Our View:

It was a strong outing for Liriano despite the four free passes. He exited the game tied 1-1, so he took a no-decision rather than a win. He allowed 16 earned runs over his previous three starts, so fantasy owners should still be very pleased with his performance tonight.

May 31, 2009

The Miami Herald is reporting that Francisco Liriano is not in danger of losing his spot in the rotation at this time. He may be reevaluated if he struggles in his next few starts, but he is safe right now.

Our View:

Liriano has been bad this season, and anyone holding on hope that he could be a good pitcher this season needs to give it up. He will likely get moved from the rotation at some point, but the Twins are giving him a few more chances.

May 30, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed four earned runs on seven hits over a mere four innings in Saturday's 5-2 loss at Tampa Bay. He issued three walks with three strikeouts.

Our View:

Liriano suffered his seventh loss of the season, and has not earned a win over his last four starts. He is worth targeting for a bargain price in case he gets back on the right track.

May 21, 2009

Francisco Liriano dropped his fifth game of the season on Wednesday as the Twins fell to the White Sox 7-4. Liriano went four innings and allowed seven runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out one.

Our View:

Liriano looked like he was starting to put it together, but he reverted back to his early season struggles tonight. His fantasy value has dropped off the map, and anyone holding onto him in hopes of a turn around would probably be best served to give up on him at this point.

May 15, 2009

Francisco Liriano was a bit wild on Friday, but overall he put forth a good effort in the Twins' 5-4 loss to the Yankees. Liriano went six innings and allowed one run on four hits while walking six and striking out six.

Our View:

Liriano was effectively wild tonight, and it was his third decent outing in a row. He is starting to get it together, and if he can continue to do that he will be a very good fantasy pitcher.

May 4, 2009

Francisco Liriano finally notched his first win of the season on Monday, beating the Tigers 7-2. Liriano went 7.1 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out nine and walking three.

Our View:

It's about time. Many thought Liriano was going to have a breakout season in 2009, and so far he has been pretty bad. His outing tonight gives Liriano owners hope of more of these outings to come. Time will tell if this will get him on track, but this is a very good sign.

April 22, 2009

Francisco Liriano continued his early season struggles on Wednesday as he allowed seven runs in just four innings to the Red Sox. He did manage to strike out six, but he also walked four in picking up his fourth straight loss.

Our View:

Many thought Liriano would be an elite fantasy pitcher this season, but so far he has been anything but. The six strikeouts give owners some hope, but right now he is just not very good.

April 16, 2009

While it didn't stop him from falling to 0-3 through three starts season, Francisco Liriano did get back on track against the Blue Jays on Thursday, giving up one earned run (two total) off seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts in six innings.

Our View:

You'd like to see him get his first tally in the win column, but it was still nice to see Liriano looking fine against a Toronto offense that has been tough on opponents thus far. Liriano will get his next crack at a win on Wednesday against the Red Sox.

April 11, 2009

Francisco Liriano had his second straight poor outing as he surrendered five runs on six hits and four walks over just 4.2 innings on Saturday. He took the loss as the Twins fell to the White Sox 8-0.

Our View:

Fantasy owners have to be wondering if Liriano will ever be the pitcher he was before Tommy John surgery. He's now 0-2 on the season and that fantastic K-rate from 2006 seems long gone. He has only fanned six batters in 11.2 innings this season.

April 6, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed four earned runs on four hits, including two home runs, in Monday's 6-1 loss to the Mariners. He struck out three in seven innings of work.

Our View:

It wasn't an ideal opening for Liriano and the Twins, but he did limit the Mariners to just four base runners in seven innings. Still, the three strikeouts fell well below expectations.

April 2, 2009

Francisco Liriano struck out three while allowing just one run on two hits in three innings against the Red Sox on Thursday.

Our View:

Liriano rebounded nicely from a rough start on Saturday, in which he allowed seven runs to Boston. His spring ERA is still slightly above 5.00, but he remains an attractive fantasy option across all leagues.

March 28, 2009

Francisco Liriano threw just three innings and allowed seven runs on four hits, including three home runs, in the Twins 9-4 loss to Boston.

Our View:

Liriano now has a 5.18 ERA this spring. No cause for concern at the moment, but this is two consecutive outings that he's struggled in.

March 23, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed three earned runs on four hits over five innings in Monday's 8-7 win over Baltimore, with two walks and five strikeouts.

Our View:

Liriano had a tough outing today, but has been solid overall in spring training, and remains a top-15 fantasy hurler for 2009.

March 18, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed one earned run on one hit over four innings in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh, with four walks and two strikeouts.

Our View:

He had some control problems today, evidenced by the four free passes, but he has been solid in his previous spring outings, and should bounce back fine.

March 18, 2009

Francisco Liriano will start today's exhibition game against the Pirates, according to the Star Tribune.

Our View:

Liriano has been strong so far this spring, and his fantasy stock would not fall with a poor outing today. If healthy, Liriano should be a rock-solid starting fantasy pitcher.

March 13, 2009

Francisco Liriano allowed one run on three hits in three and one-third innings Friday night against the Reds. He allowed a third-inning to Jonny Gomes but struck out five Reds batters.

Our View:

Covering his last two spring outings, Liriano has allowed just one run over seven and a third innings while fanning 10 hitters.

March 8, 2009

Francisco Liriano hurled four hitless innnings in Sunday's 2-0 win over the Orioles, with no walks and five strikeouts.

Our View:

This was a strong outing from Liriano, solidifying his ranking as a top-15 fantasy hurler.

March 4, 2009

Francisco Liriano shined in his second start of the spring, throwing three innings while striking out two and allowing only two hits. The start lowered his preseason ERA to a respectable 3.60.

Our View:

Assuming he stays healthy, the more Liriano throws, the better he'll get. Keep a close eye on him this spring, as he may be poised for a breakout campaign, which would make him a mid-round steal.

February 28, 2009

Francisco Liriano had a bit of a rough day on Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk, two of which were earned in two innings.

Our View:

Liriano has tremendous potential as he was amazing during his rookie year of 2006 before needing Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss all of 2007. He went 6-4 in 14 starts last year with an ERA of 3.91. He'll probably be a late round pick in most drafts, but would be a high risk high reward type player if he were taken earlier.

February 17, 2009

Francisco Liriano will not play in the World Baseball Classic, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

Liriano is putting his focus on being a factor for the Twins this season. Liriano was limited to just 14 starts last season and missed the entire 2007 season with an arm injury. He has top-20 fantasy pitcher stuff if he can just stay healthy. That is a big "if."

February 17, 2009

Francisco Liriano commented that he may skip the World Baseball Classic to prepare with the rest of the Twins' rotation in spring training, according to the Star Tribune. He is going to talk to the Twins to get their thoughts on the matter.

Our View:

Liriano looks to be the ace of the Twins' young rotation, and is worth drafting as a top-15 fantasy hurler if you are not worried about his previous arm issues.

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