Twins recall pitcher Francisco Liriano

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Twins Friday recalled left-hander Francisco Liriano after a longer than expected stint at Class AAA Rochester.

In 19 starts (118 innings) for the Red Wings, Liriano was 10-2 with a 3.28 ERA, 31 walks and 113 strikeouts. He won his last 10 decisions.

Liriano has a 13-8 career record in the majors. As a rookie in 2006, he compiled a first-half record of 12-3 with a 2.19 ERA that got him on the American League All-Star team. But he injured his arm in the second half and wound up having Tommy John surgery. After missing all of 2007, he started this season with a 0-3 record and an 11.32 ERA before being demoted.

Minnesota released veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez and outfielder Craig Monroe, and paid for the contract of first baseman/designated hitter Randy Ruiz from Rochester.

Ruiz had a .311 batting average with 17 homers.

The moves were made before Minnesota's home game Friday night against Cleveland.

Both Hernandez (2-3 in July) and Monroe (.202 batting average with eight home runs and 29 RBI) were designated for assignment.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported the Twins are paying Monroe $3.82 million this season and unless they trade him, they will be stuck for most of his contract.