MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano has been scratched from Wednesday's start against the Texas Rangers because of inflammation in his forearm.
"It's not an elbow, it's just in the forearm, it's muscular,"
Minnesota pitching coach Rick Anderson said after Tuesday night's
9-0 loss to Texas. "It's just more of a precaution. You don't want
to mess with him. If we were to run him out there and it's not 100
percent and something happens you'd never forgive yourself."
Anderson said Liriano would likely miss one start, adding that if it were late September he would likely start.
"He could pitch, but we're not going to let him pitch," he said. "He doesn't want to do this, but we made him do it."
Liriano is 12-2 with an American League-best 1.96 ERA in 26 games, including 14 starts. He has struck out 137 batters, fifth-best in the league.
Boof Bonser, who was 2-2 with a 5.30 ERA in seven starts for Minnesota earlier this season, will be recalled and start
Wednesday.
Scott Baker, who allowed a career-high seven earned runs in 3 1/3 innings Tuesday, was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. In his three starts since being recalled July 11, Baker allowed 16 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings.
Minnesota also optioned infielder Terry Tiffee to Rochester and will reinstate right-hander Matt Guerrier from the 15-day disabled list. He has been out since June 9 with a right thumb fracture.