MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano has been scratched from his next scheduled start because of a sore shoulder.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said right-hander Anthony Swarzak would start on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels instead. He said Liriano should only miss one start, or at least that’s the hope.
Liriano told the team on Friday afternoon about his discomfort. He was looked at by team doctors, who advised against him pitching on Saturday.
Also, right-handed reliever Joe Nathan was unavailable for Friday’s game because of elbow soreness stemming from his appearance on Monday. Gardenhire said Nathan was feeling better but still not ready to pitch.
Designated hitter Jim Thome has a sore shoulder and could get a cortisone shot on Saturday.
