MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Minnesota Twins ace Francisco Liriano is through for the 2006 season because of an elbow ailment.
The hard-throwing left-hander was pulled in the third inning of his start against Oakland Wednesday after feeling some discomfort in the elbow.
The team said on its Web site Thursday that his injury is not as bad as initially feared. An MRI showed no new structural damage and the chances of Liriano being ready for next season appear to be much greater, the team said.
Liriano said he felt a pop in the elbow Wednesday, and underwent a similar procedure in August.
"I think it's safe to say we are going to shut him down (for the season)," General Manager Terry Ryan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "He helped get us to this point. Now we have to make sure we take care of him."
In 121 innings this season, Liriano was 12-3 with a 2.19 ERA.
