Twins’ Liriano strong in 4-1 win over Pittsburgh

Associated Press

FORT MYERS, FLa.

Francisco Liriano’s latest spring gem showed exactly why the Minnesota Twins see him as a starter and not a closer right now.

Liriano all but locked up the final spot in the Twins’ rotation on Tuesday, striking out eight in six shutout innings of Minnesota’s 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Liriano also walked three, and said after the game he’d been told he will be the Twins’ fifth starter. He was competing with Brian Duensing for the job and also was discussed as a possible replacement for injured closer Joe Nathan.

“I didn’t tell him he will be the fifth starter. But I told him he is the leading candidate to be the fifth starter,” Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. “We haven’t named it per se. Maybe he named it, because he probably could. He probably took a big lead right there.”

Pirates starter Charlie Morton was almost as sharp on Tuesday. He allowed one run — a solo homer to Jason Kubel — on five hits with three strikeouts in six innings. Pittsburgh did not play anyone who is likely to be part of the opening day lineup.

All those backups were no match for Liriano, who is looking more and more like the pitcher who went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA four years ago.

Liriano was an All-Star in 2006 before arm troubles derailed him for most of the last three seasons. He missed all of 2007 after Tommy John surgery and was 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA last season.