Franchise

As expected, the Minnesota Twins announced that they have recalled lefthanded pitcher Francisco Liriano and selected the contract of first baseman/designated hitter Randy Ruiz from Triple-A Rochester.

Liriano was 10-2, 3.28 (118.0 ip, 43 er), allowing 102 hits with 31 walks and 113 strikeouts and an opponents' batting-average-against of .231 (102-for-441) in 19 starts for the Red Wings this season. In his last 11 starts with Rochester, he was 10-0, 2.67 (70.2 ip, 21 er) with 13 walks and 80 strikeouts.

Ruiz batted .320 (133-for-416) with 33 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs and 68 RBIs in 111 games with the Red Wings this season. He led the International League in hits, was tied for the league lead in batting, and was second in doubles and extra-base hits (53). Ruiz led the club in games, hits, doubles, home runs and RBIs, and was second in at-bats. He will wear uniform number 56.

To make room for Liriano and Ruiz on the 25-man roster, the Twins have designated righthanded pitcher Livan Hernandez and outfielder Craig Monroe for release or assignment.

Newcomer Thomas Shearn, a free agent signee, too the start in Friday's night contest instead of Liriano, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and pair of walks while striking ou 5 over five innings. The Wings fell late to the Pawtucket Red Sox 8-7.