Francisco

Liriano

Liriano released the announcement through his agent, Mike Maulini. The 38-year-old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2019 as a member of the Pirates, so the decision isn’t unexpected, but it gives us all a chance to appreciate his talent. Liriano burst onto the scene with the Twins, including a 2.16 ERA over 28 appearances (16 starts) in 2006 which earned him his only All-Star selection. His career was largely up-and-down after his Tommy John surgery later that year, but he enjoyed a nice resurgence as part of a good Pirates team from 2013-2015. Liriano walks away with a 4.15 ERA and 1,815 strikeouts over 419 appearances (300 starts) with six different teams.

Liriano had an opt-out clause and it appears he was told he wasn’t going to be on the Opening Day roster. The veteran left-hander is now 37 and probably limited to relief duty, but he should be able to land a gig if he wants to keep pitching.

Liriano seems poised to serve as the second lefty in the Toronto pen. He had a 3.47 ERA in his first full year as a reliever for the Pirates in 2019 before sitting out last year.

Liriano did not appear in a major league game during the pandemic-affected 2020 campaign, though he did put up a respectable 3.47 ERA with 63 strikeouts over 70 innings (69 relief appearances) with the Pirates in 2019. Toronto will soon find out whether the 37-year-old southpaw, who spent parts of the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the Jays, has anything left in the tank. He’ll presumably be competing for a bullpen spot.

Liriano, 37, didn’t pitch this season after being released by the Phillies in mid-July. He ended up opting out of the season despite receiving multiple guaranteed offers. The veteran southpaw posted a 3.47 ERA over 70 relief innings with the Pirates in 2019, so he should get some interest.

Liriano was a late arrival to Phillies camp after reportedly mulling opting out of the season, and he could reconsider his decision on playing now. Liriano was in camp on a minor league deal and was originally expected to make the Phillies. He was a fine reliever for the Pirates last season, posting a 3.47 ERA in 70 innings.

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said Tuesday that Liriano was “evaluating the situation” before deciding if he’ll play this season, but apparently he’s at least coming to camp. It’s always possible he could opt against participating in the end.

It’s safe to say that a number of players are doing the same thing right now. Liriano signed a minor league deal with the Phillies over the winter after posting a 3.47 ERA with 63 strikeouts across 70 innings of relief with the Pirates last year.

Maybe the Twins should replace both Joe Mays and Kyle Lohse at the same time. Unfortunately, if Liriano does get a shot this year, he’ll probably be a middle reliever. He’s 6-1 with a 1.62 ERA and has given up just 28 hits in 61 innings for Rochester.

''Those numbers are fantastic,’' general manager Terry Ryan said. ''He’s done a great job, but there’s no harm in leaving the kid at Triple-A. Pitching’s not the issue. I know his numbers don’t indicate it, but there’s still some things he can work on. One thing is his fastball command, but he’s doing a fantastic job, and we’re thrilled with the job he’s doing.’'