Francisco Liriano diagnosed with concussion, replaced on Jays' ALDS roster
Liriano was hit by a Carlos Gomez line drive in the eighth inning
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Blue Jays left-hander Francisco Liriano was taken to the hospital following Friday's ALDS Game 2 against the Rangers and has since been diagnosed with a mild concussion.
Liriano was struck in the back of the head by a Carlos Gomez line drive in the eighth inning. Though he remained on his feet, he was removed immediately -- replaced by Toronto closer Roberto Osuna. Afterward, Liriano was transported to a local hospital via ambulance:
Liriano was on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace as he was wheeled into the ambulance.
— Jorge L. Ortiz (@jorgelortiz) October 7, 2016
Liriano was later released and cleared to fly with the Blue Jays back to Toronto:
Liriano was examined at hospital and has been cleared to fly home with team.#BlueJays
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) October 7, 2016
On Saturday, Blue Jays trainer George Poulis revealed that Liriano suffered a mild concussion -- and that there was no timetable for his return:
Trainer George Poulis says it's a mild concussion for Francisco Liriano. No timetable for return. No structural damage. #BlueJays
— Alykhan K. Ravjiani (@AlykhanKR) October 8, 2016
For those wondering: yes, the Blue Jays were able to replace Liriano on the roster. And, under new rules, Liriano does not have to sit out the next round:
A new MLB rule allows Liriano to be removed off the #Bluejays ALDS roster (should they wish), but return for ALCS because it's a concussion.
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) October 8, 2016
Who'd Toronto pick to replace Liriano? Right-handed reliever Danny Barnes:
Danny Barnes replaces Francisco Liriano on the #BlueJays' ALDS roster.
— Alykhan K. Ravjiani (@AlykhanKR) October 9, 2016
Barnes appeared in 12 games this season, striking out more than a batter per inning. He's originally a 35th-round pick, so this is a pretty cool development for him -- albeit under less-than-ideal circumstances.
