MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Twins have placed pitcher Francisco Liriano on the 15-day disabled list, the team announced Wednesday.
The move, due to a muscular inflammation in his left elbow, will be made retroactive to Tuesday, the team said.
Liriano experienced continued pain near his elbow during Minnesota's 9-3 loss Monday in the opener of a key three-game series against the Detroit Tigers.
Liriano lasted only four innings in his first outing since July 28, giving up four runs and 10 hits in his shortest start of the season.
The loss of Liriano, who is 12-3 and leads the American League with a 2.19 ERA, is seen as a major blow to the postseason hopes of the Twins (66-46), who are one-half game behind the Chicago White Sox in the wild card standings.
The Twins have recalled right-hander Boof Bonser from Triple-A Rochester to take Liriano's place on the roster. Bonser is expected to be in uniform for the Twins' game against Toronto Thursday.
