With another 7 1/3 strong innings on Sunday, Minnesota Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano made his best case yet for a recall from Triple-A Rochester. The key number in the start was zero walks, which was a first for this season as he attempts to come back from 2006 Tommy John surgery.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire clearly recognized what Liriano was was up to in Rochester, even before Sunday’s dominant outing against Reds Triple-A affiliate Louisville.

Gardenhire said on Wednesday:

“If he starts rolling down there, then you start making decisions up here as to how you fit him in.”

In his last outing, Liriano allowed two runs on five hits with five strikeouts and no walks. He left after allowing a double in the eighth, then saw the runner score on a pitch from Red Wings closer Bobby Korecky.

Another Sunday occurrence could also help open a spot for Loriano in the Twins rotation. The team’s official site reported that right-hander Nick Blackburn’s next start would be pushed back from Tuesday to Saturday because of a sore right elbow. If a trip to the disabled list would be required for Blackburn
, Liriano is all but assured of taking his place on the active roster.

Regardless of Blackburn’s status, Liriano’s arrival in Minnesota is not far off. None of current starters Blackburn, Glen Perkins and Kevin Slowey can be considered sure things to keep their jobs. As I mentioned on Wednesday; don’t wait for an official announcement before going to grab Liriano. He is still available in the majority of 10 and 12 team leagues.