BRADENTON, Fla. — Monday was a busy and joyful day for Francisco Liriano.
The 35-year-old returned to Pirate City for the first time in three years. Liriano smiled as he walked inside the facility. He hugged old friends in the organization and also met some of the people who’ve joined the Pirates since his stint from 2013-16.
The Dominican Republic native had 107 starts for the Pirates. Liriano had a 41-36 record and a 4.36 ERA. He still fondly remembers those days.
“We had so much fun,” Liriano said. “The fans were amazing. We had a lot of talent here. I was very happy to be part of. I’m so glad that the Pirates wanted me to come back this season.”
Everything felt like old times. At least until Liriano looked in his locker. Liriano had a jersey with No. 99 on the back. There wasn’t even a name.
Liriano is on a minor league contract with a big league camp invite. As of now, he isn’t on the 40-man roster, which means he won’t have a jersey with the No. 47 he wore in his first run as a Pirate.
“I almost didn’t recognize him without wearing 47,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “It was weird for a second. But then he told me not to worry because he was going to earn his number back.”
Liriano famously pitched seven one-run innings in the 2013 NL wild-card game against the Cincinnati Reds and had many more great moments. If Liriano is to have any more achievements with the Pirates, he may have to go back to the bullpen.
Barring injury, the Pirates feel confident in the top four of their rotation and like the competition for the fifth spot.
“He fits really well on this club as a left-hander, whether it’s a left-hander to come in in the seventh inning and get a lefty or it’s a guy to give us an inning or two out of the middle,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. “Right now we like Jordan Lyles and Nick Kingham and Steven Brault in that competition for that last spot.”
Huntington also sees value in Liriano’s leadership abilities.
“The intent bringing him in was a left-hander with some versatility out of the ‘pen with some veteran presence. He has the ability to get left-handers the first time through the order.”
Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove got to see Liriano’s mentorship first-hand during their time together with the Houston Astros. Musgrove has also seen Liriano adapt to the bullpen.
“It was great for me to be able to pick his brain. It helped me a lot because we were in a similar spot trying to adjust to a new role,” Musgrove said. “He had been a starter his whole career as I had been. We were both trying to find our way in preparation and finding ways to get guys out. We got along great. Our relationship developed well because we were having similar experiences.”
Musgrove took lessons from Liriano that helped him last season as a starter.
“He taught me a lot about preparation,” Musgrove said. “It’s about learning what your body and mind really need to be ready at any time. Liriano will be good in whatever role. Plus he’s great for the clubhouse. He gets along with everyone.”
Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage worked with Liriano during his first stint and looks forward to working with him again.
“Frankie has a history with us. It is a great homecoming,” Searage said. “We know him well. We can work with him on his little flaws when they show up and take care of him. He can make this club and contribute.”
Liriano has pitched for 13 big league seasons and is as passionate as ever. He’s hoping that passion and his work ethic will take him to season No. 14 in the majors.
“I love playing baseball,” Liriano said. “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. I worked hard over the winter and am ready to show everyone one that I still have plenty left in the tank.”
Nubyjas Wilborn: nwilborn@post-gazette.com and Twitter @nwilborn19
First Published: February 14, 2019, 7:16 p.m.
