Twins vs. Pirates: Mauer, Liriano updates

Posted on March 4th, 2009 – 9:56 AM
By Joe Christensen

BRADENTON, FLA. — I’ll post the lineups quick and post updates later as they come.

Update (12:15): The Twins knew there were going to be ups and downs for catcher Joe Mauer this spring, as he works his way back from kidney surgery.

Today, Manager Ron Gardenhire acknowledged that Mauer had a recent setback in his recovery but is starting to feel better again.

“He’s been on the field a few times. He’s been up-and-down. He’s had some good days and bad days. It’s still a process.

“He was feeling really, really good. Then he had a little step back. But he’s back to feeling good again. [Tuesday] he was feeling pretty good. But he didn’t do a lot on the field.

“[Today], he’s supposed to be on the field doing light stuff and then gradually start working right back up.”

Update (1:30 p.m.): Francisco Liriano allowed two hits and notched two strikeouts in three scoreless innings. Wilson Ramos hit a run-scoring double in the second inning, and Andy LaRoche just gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead with a two-run homer off R.A. Dickey in the fifth inning.

TWINS

1. Denard Span, RF
2. Alexi Casilla, 2B
3. Delmon Young, LF
4. Michael Cuddyer, DH
5. Brian Buscher, 1B
6. Wilson Ramos, C
7. Carlos Gomez, CF
8. Matt Tolbert, SS
9. Matt Macri, 3B

Starting pitcher: LHP Francisco Liriano

Listed relievers: R.A. Dickey, Matt Guerrier, Craig Breslow, Jose Mijares, Bobby Keppel and Rob Delaney.

PIRATES

1. Nyjer Morgan, LF
2. Freddy Sanchez, 2B
3. Nate McLouth, CF
4. Ryan Doumit, C
5. Adam LaRoche, 1B
6. Craig Monroe, RF
7. Brandon Moss, DH
8. Andy LaRoche, 3B
9. Jack Wilson, SS

Starting pitcher: LHP Tom Gorzelanny

McKechnie Field. First pitch: 12:05 p.m. (Central)

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