Francisco Liriano has come back in a big way. After years of tantalizing promise and nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating injury history, Liriano’s name has often exceeded results. 2013 was a return to prime time for Liriano, which is lucky considering that he almost lost the entire season before it ever began.
In Feburary, Liriano was playing with his kids – ages 3 and 5 – and tried to startle them. However, something quickly went wrong, and Liriano felt a sharp pain in his arm. Francisco Liriano’s wife Johanna Liriano quickly rushed him to the hospital, where he found out he broke his non-pitching arm. The Pirates tore up a 2 year agreement and negotiated a one year deal with the ace, who has gone out and earned a lot more than that second year would have earned him. What once looked like terrible news has worked out well, though I’m sure the Pirates have no issues with this trade off given what he’s brought to the bump this season and in the NL Wild Card Game.
As we mentioned, Francisco and Johanna Liriano have two sons, and a third child (a daughter) due in December.