Twins recall Liriano from Triple-A

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins faithful have been clamoring for the return of Francisco Liriano via the jettison of Livan Hernandez for the better part of two months.

On Friday, they got their wish.

The Twins have recalled Liriano from Triple-A Rochester, and also selected the contract of first baseman Randy Ruiz. To make room for the pair, the club designated Hernandez and outfielder Craig Monroe for assignment.

Liriano was 10-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 118 innings for the Red Wings this season. In his last 11 starts, he was 10-0 with a 2.67 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings.

Liriano struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery earlier in the year, going 0-3 with an 11.32 ERA in three starts with the Twins before being demoted.

Ruiz batted .320 with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs in 111 games with Rochester this season. He was leading the International League in hits, was tied for the batting lead and was second in doubles and extra-base hits (53).

Hernandez was 10-8 with a 5.48 ERA in 23 starts. He allowed 199 hits in 139 2/3 innings.

Monroe was batting .202 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 163 at-bats. He was signed to hit left-handed pitching off the bench, a role in which he was particularly disappointing, hitting .138 with two home runs in 87 at-bats.