Ron Gardenhire is back in a Minnesota Twins uniform. The team announced today (Monday) they have hired the former manager as a Special Assistant to General Manager Terry Ryan.
According to multiple sources the Twins have reportedly fired Manager Ron Gardenhire after 13 seasons with team. Gardenhire was under contract through the 2015 season. Gardenhire's coaching staff was working in the final year of their contract.
The Twins are 37-49 this season and are in danger of losing 90-plus game again this season. Ron Gardenhire won 6 AL Central Division Titles including 3 straight from 2002-2004.
The Twins lost 10-6 at Texas Thursday night to suffer their 3rd straight loss and 8th loss in their last 9 games. Texas scored 6 runs in the 8th inning to break a 4-all tie. Only 1 of the runs scored in the 8th inning was earned due to errors from Pedro Florimon and Trevor Plouffe. Jared Burton took the loss in relief and drops to 1-1.
The Twins lost 8-3 at home to the Los Angeles Angels Monday night in the first game of a 3-game series. Francisco Liriano allowed 5 hits, 3 walks and 4 earned runs in 5 innings to take the loss and drop to 0-5. Liriano's ERA is 9.45 this season. Manager Ron Gardenhire isn't happy with Liriano's performance but says Liriano will stay in the rotation. Shortstop Brian Dozier made his major league debut and was 1-4 at the plate. Erik Komatsu was 2-4 and Joe Mauer was 1-4 with 1 RBI for the Twins. Jared Weaver allowed 3 hits and 1 earned run in 6 innings to get the win for the Angels.
The Twins will skip lefthander Francisco Liriano's spot in the rotation this weekend. He's 0-3 with a 11.02 ERA in 4 starts for the Twins this season. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he talked with Liriano and Liriano feels confident about the plan. Gardenhire does not want to put Liriano in the bullpen and will give him another chance to start. Liriano's next start will be Tuesday May 1 in Anaheim against the Angels.