Liriano has fractured right humerus

Tuesday, 22 January 2013 18:46

Written by Bill Brink

The broken bone in left-handed pitcher Francisco Liriano's right arm is the humerus, the bone in the upper arm that connects the shoulder to the bones in the forearm, the Post-Gazette has learned.

But while the nature of the injury is clearer, details about how Liriano broke his arm in December are not. The injury, which slowed Liriano’s contract negotiations with the Pirates, could prevent him from pitching early in the season.

The Spanish-language newspaper El Caribe reported last week that Liriano, 29, fell in the bathroom of his home and that his arm was in a cast, but provided no other details. The report could not be independently confirmed.

Fox Sports reported Monday that the Pirates and Liriano agreed to terms on a new contract, replacing the original two-year, $12.75 million deal agreed upon in late December. Liriano fractured the arm in December before taking a physical, putting the deal on hold.

The Fox report indicated that Liriano could still earn all of the money owed him on the original contract if he does not miss any time due to the arm injury. If the fracture keeps Liriano off the mound during the 2013 season, the report said, he will earn a reduced salary.

The recovery time for fractures varies depending on the type and severity of the break. If Liriano’s fracture forces him to miss time, his reduced salary will lower the Pirates’ payroll. They were projected to open the season with a payroll of roughly $76 million before including Liriano’s contract, $63 million or so out of their own pockets.

Liriano’s absence would also create an opportunity for Jeff Locke or Kyle McPherson to open the season in the rotation, a situation that seemed less likely after the agreements with Jeff Karstens and Liriano.

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Here is the rough translation of the El Caribe report -- the reference to Liriano's house as "her house" and the "12.75 billion" contract tell you that this is an outline at best. Regarding the "plastered" reference: The infinitive of 'enyesado,' 'enyesar,' means 'to plaster' or 'to put in a cast.' My Spanish is rudimentary but I don't think it refers to alcohol.

***It was a fall in the bathroom of her house which caused the cancellation of the contract of left-hander Francisco Liriano with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The domestic accident caused the right arm injury that has caused the covenant is in doubt.

Since the cancellation of the contract met, has drawn attention to the pitcher not hurt his pitching arm. The accident occurred in late December.

"It is the right arm of the problem. He has plastered, "said a source close to elCaribe the player. This newspaper visited the house of the pitcher in the community of Juan Baron, Palenque, and was unable to contact him.

In this part of the San Cristóbal province live several pitchers who play in the big leagues now. At Liriano reporters were sent to the house of fellow pitcher Merkin Valdez, who lives two blocks, under the allegation that "there is to him." "He has not come here today," Valdez himself.

The contract for two years and 12.75 billion between Liriano and the Pirates had announced last December 20. According to reports, the injury prevented Liriano travel to Pittsburgh to undergo physical examinations oficializarían the contract.

It is possible that the Pirates are still in contact with representatives of Liriano, to renegotiate the agreement.

After spending his entire career in Minnesota, on July 28 last Twins Liriano sent to Chicago White Sox in exchange for two minor leaguers.

Last season, Liriano had a record of 6-12 with ERA of 5.34 in 34 games, 28 starts, with the Twins and White Sox.

Liriano's best season was 2006. That year was called the All-Star and finished with a 12-3 mark and 2.16 ERA.***