The Twins saw one of their worst fears realized on Wednesday afternoon when left-hander Francisco Liriano left his start early with elbow pain in his throwing arm. Liriano (12-3, 2.19 ERA) exited the game against the A's in the top of the third inning after throwing just 28 pitches. The left-hander threw what appeared to be a slider to Bobby Kielty on the first pitch and grimaced with pain as he came out of his pitching motion. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and assistant trainer Dave Pruemer ran out to check on Liriano, and the pitcher was taken immediately out of the game.