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Liriano, Twins look to keep pace in tight AL Central race

Aug 9, 2008 - 10:12 AM Minnesota (64-51) at Kansas City (53-63) 7:10 p.m. EDT

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Francisco Liriano will make his second start since returning from the minors when the Minnesota Twins visit the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Liriano caused a stir around baseball recently when the Twins left him in the minors despite dominating results. The lefthander and his agent went so far as to file a grievance with the union because he was stuck at Class AAA Rochester.

But Liriano certainly made the most of the opportunity Sunday against Cleveland when Minnesota finally gave him another crack at a major league job.

Liriano (1-3, 7.16 ERA) struck out five in six scoreless frames, yielding three hits and issuing three walks to earn his first win since 2006. The 24-year-old missed the entire 2007 campaign after undergoing "Tommy John" surgery and struggled with his command in the spring in a brief big-league test.

The Twins could use a few more scoreless innings out of Liriano as they attempt to keep pace with the Chicago White Sox (64-50) in the American League Central. They are currently one-half game back.

The Royals will counter with righthander Zack Greinke (9-7, 3.93), who has won his past two starts. The 24-year-old lasted eight innings but did not factor in the decision in his lone start against Minnesota on May 28.

The Twins captured the series opener on Friday, 4-1, as Kevin Slowey pitched 5 1/3 strong innings and Joe Mauer drove in a pair.