The Minnesota Twins, losers of 99 games in 2011, had hoped for better things in 2012.

So far, that hasn't happened. They have the worst record in baseball at 8-22, and starter Francisco Liriano, who won 14 games with a 3.62 ERA in 2010 and threw a no-hitter a year ago, has posted a 9.45 ERA and 2.10 WHIP in six starts this season. You might think that would push the Twins into action, and you'd be right. Lavelle E. Neal III:

Lefthander Francisco Liriano, who won 14 games in 2010 but has lost 15 since, was demoted to the bullpen.

Liriano, Gardenhire said, took the demotion well, telling him that he's willing to do anything in order to get better and contribute. Gardenhire made it clear that the club wants Liriano back in the rotation.

"We just gotta get him right," Gardenhire said "We've got to get him into some situations to try and get him some success. We've talked about it. Maybe a couple innings here, a couple innings there, he blows some people away and gets some kind of mojo going."

The Twins also demoted third baseman Danny Valencia -- all the way to Triple-A Rochester. Valencia was hitting .190. Minnesota recalled outfielder Darin Mastroianni and righthander P.J. Walters and designated lefthander Matt Maloney for assignment; Walters will fill Liriano's spot in the rotation.

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