Francisco Liriano injury update: Blue Jays LHP to miss at least a week with concussion

Arthur Weinstein

Francisco Liriano injury update: Blue Jays LHP to miss at least a week with concussion image

The Blue Jays have replaced left-hander Francisco Liriano on their postseason roster as he recovers from a concussion, but he will be eligible to return if the team advances to the ALCS.

Tests on Saturday revealed Liriano suffered a mild concussion when he was hit in the back of the head by a 102-mph liner off the bat of the outfielder Carlos Gomez in Friday's 5-3 win over the Rangers.

Blue Jays trainer George Poulis told MLB.com Saturday the test results were good news.

"All of the tests today were all normal, it was great," he said. "We're very excited how [Liriano] felt today, and so is he. ... Any player that has a mild concussion, or any kind of head trauma, we test those guys every single day and we monitor them.

"Once they meet the MLB regulations, then we take them through a series of exertional tests — make sure that they feel good, no return of symptoms and then they're good to go. Right now, there is no timetable for his return. But hopefully it's shorter, based on his exam today. It's good news."

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Liriano must miss at least seven days, per MLB rules regarding concussions. Normally, a player who suffers an injury in the postseason and is dropped from the roster is ineligible to return, but MLB can make an exception in cases involving concussions.

Toronto picked right-hander Danny Barnes to replace Liriano on the 25-man roster. The 26-year-old reliever, who made his major-league debut in August, had a 3.95 ERA in 13 2/3 innings.

Liriano, acquired from the Pirates at the trade deadline, posted a 2.92 ERA in 49 1/3 innings with Toronto.

The Blue Jays, who are up 2-0 in the best-of-five series, face the Rangers in Toronto on Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Arthur Weinstein