The Minnesota Twins sent Francisco Liriano to the disabled list after a very rough outing against Texas:
The Minnesota Twins have placed pitcher Francisco Liriano on the 15-day disabled list because of left arm fatigue.
Liriano lasted just two innings in his Monday start against Texas and was roughed up for seven runs on seven hits. He took the loss and dropped to 5-12 for the season with a 5.80 earned run average in 23 starts.
I don’t know why fatigue counts as an injury. I suppose it’s a sign of one even if they don’t know quite what it is.
Seems like the use of/manipulation the DL can be an important roster-management tool for a club over the course of a season. What are the requirements for DL-ing a player? Does the team have to provide proof in some form–a doctor’s note? Can another club challenge a DL placement if it seems particularly convenient?
@SamW: I did read an article earlier in the season centered around mental health issues that made clear that MLB looks carefully at each diabled list move to make sure there is really something wrong. I also asked Will Carroll about fatigue as an injury, and he said that it leads to injuries. So, MLB seems to be willing to allow players to be disabled to prevent injuries.
In other words, MLB is generous to the teams in terms of allowing players to be disabled. That helps them with roster management (one could argue that if Liriano is not actually hurt, the team should be forced to carry him or send him to the minor leagues). Basically, MLB does it’s best to keep teams at a healthy 25 man roster.