A day after coming up short on Zack Greinke, the Chicago White Sox acquired Minnesota Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano on Saturday for two 23-year-olds -- infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez.
Francisco Liriano gets a chance to turn around his season in Chicago. (Reuters)
Seeking depth for a rotation that is without John Danks, the White Sox took a chance on Liriano, the one-time All-Star who is 3-10 with a 5.31 ERA and has lost his last three starts. On Monday Liriano allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings to the White Sox. He was scheduled to start Sunday against the Cleveland Indians.
Over the past month, the surprising White Sox have traded for a third baseman (Kevin Youkilis), a late-inning reliever (Brett Myers), and Liriano.
Believed to be players for the higher-end starters available, including Greinke and Josh Johnson, the White Sox could use Liriano as a regular starter, as a reliever, or as a swingman, allowing stretch-drive rest for younger starters Chris Sale and Jose Quintana. Liriano spent some time in the bullpen this season, but has generally been unreliable in either role.
Since being swept by the Detroit Tigers last weekend and falling 1 ½ games out of first place, the White Sox have won five in a row and hold a 2 ½-game lead in the AL Central.
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