Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano has been demoted to the bullpen.

It’s an unfortunate but necessary move. Liriano registered a hideous 9.45 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and 21/19 K/BB ratio across his first 26 2/3 innings (six starts) this season. The 28-year-old left-hander will presumably work as the long man in the Minnesota bullpen and can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.

Francisco Liriano’s struggles continued Monday, as he yielded four runs on five hits and three walks over five innings in a loss to the Angels.

He struck out four and served up a homer to Alberto Callaspo. Liriano still hasn’t gone more than 5 1/3 innings in any start, he’s walked at least three in every outing but one and sports a hideous 21/19 K/BB ratio over 26 2/3 innings. If you’ve been desperately hanging on to him in mixed leagues, it might be time to cut bait. He’ll take a 9.45 ERA and 2.10 WHIP into this weekend’s start against the Blue Jays, assuming he’s not booted from the rotation.

Francisco Liriano dropped to 0-4 after giving up four runs in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday against the Angels.

It still qualifies as an improvement for Liriano, who entered with an 11.02 ERA this season. He struck out five and walked three, and since he bounced back after giving up all four runs in the second and third innings, he probably earned himself another start.

Francisco Liriano (shoulder) threw his final bullpen session Saturday.

Liriano threw 70-pitches without any issues. The Twins have suggested his rotation spot could become available, but remain committed to him on a week-to-week basis. He’s scheduled to make his next start next Tuesday against the Angels.

The Twins will skip the struggling Francisco Liriano in the starting rotation this week.

Francisco Liriano’s rotation spot with the Twins is in jeopardy.

Liriano allowed five runs on three hits and four walks in five innings of Sunday’s loss to the Rays. Through 16 1/3 frames, he has a 11.02 ERA, 2.33 WHIP and 12/13 K/BB ratio. “It doesn’t look like he’s pitching with too much confidence right now,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We’ve said this over and over again, so we’re going to step back to see what we need to do to try to get his confidence back and try to figure some things out with him.” The problem for the Twins — and a factor in favor of Liriano’s job security — is that their starting pitching depth is abysmal. With Scott Baker out for the season, Scott Diamond is the most logical candidate for promotion, assuming the club isn’t inclined to make Anthony Swarzak a full-time starter. Because this is another rebuilding season in Minnesota, the Twins are probably better served letting Liriano keep his gig and hoping he rebuilds trade value prior to late-July.

Francisco Liriano allowed five runs on three hits and four walks in five innings of Sunday’s loss to the Rays.

He also hit a batter. All you need to know about Liriano’s season to date is that today actually lowered both his ERA and WHIP. Through 16 1/3 frames, he’s now the owner of a 11.02 ERA, 2.33 WHIP and 12/13 K/BB ratio. Something’s got to give, and it could soon be Liriano’s rotation spot.

Francisco Liriano plans to throw more four-seam fastballs during Sunday’s start as he did when he was having success during spring training.

“We’re going to keep this simple,” Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said. “I asked him what he was doing in spring training when everything was free and easy. He said: ‘”I’ve been throwing more two-seamers. I’ve been giving hitters too much credit.’” It remains to be seen if this approach will turn Liriano around, but it’s certainly worth a shot after he posted an 11.91 ERA and 2.74 WHIP in his first three starts.

Francisco Liriano’s struggles continued Tuesday, as he was pounded for five runs on seven hits and four walks over just 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees.

He threw a whopping 76 pitches over the 2 1/3 frames. Liriano had a terrific spring training, leading many to count on him as a bounce-back candidate this season. He’s been horrendous in his first three starts, though, posting an 11.91 ERA and 2.74 WHIP. His rotation spot isn’t in jeopardy at this point, but he needs to be benched in fantasy leagues until further notice. Liriano will try for better results this weekend in Tampa.