The positive mood created by Gregory Polanco's MLB debut was dampened a bit after Pittsburgh Pirates starter Francisco Liriano exited the game after three innings. The team announced that he was suffering from discomfort in his left side:
Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provided more details after the Pirates' 7-3 loss to the Cubs:
In his three innings on the mound Tuesday night, Liriano surrendered two runs on three hits, striking out four. He was replaced by Jeanmar Gomez.
Like the Pirates as a whole, Liriano has failed to create the magic of last season. He won't be on the hook for the decision on Tuesday, so his record will remain 1-6. The three runs given up raise his ERA to 4.60, which is fourth in Pittsburgh's starting rotation.
The Pirates aren't exactly in a position where they can afford to lose a regular starter, though, no matter how much Liriano has struggled.
This is just one more roadblock for the team as it tries to reignite its postseason hopes.
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