Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano was dominant in his rehab debut Monday at Triple-A Indianapolis, striking out eight batters and surrendering only three hits over six scoreless innings against the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate from Lehigh Valley. He was so good, in fact, that his next start will be in the big leagues.
Bucs manager Clint Hurdle told Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Liriano has been cleared to return to the club’s starting rotation this weekend against the Reds. The exact date of his return outing has not been revealed, but Saturday seems like the best bet.
Liriano has been on the disabled list since June 11 with a strained oblique. He was off to a disappointing start before the injury — with a 4.60 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 72 1/3 innings — but the 30-year-old southpaw is certainly capable of a big second half. Liriano had a 3.02 ERA and 122 WHIP in 161 frames last season.
The Pirates open play Tuesday with a 4 1/2 game deficit in the National League Central standings.
