"Francisco Liriano believes the success he had in winter ball during the 2010 Dominican League playoffs helped propel him to a big season that year with the Twins.

Last year, Liriano missed winter ball and developed left shoulder stiffness right before spring training before struggling through the season at 9-10 with a 5.09 ERA.

So it was a notable development Tuesday, when Liriano returned to the mound for Escogido against Licey. The lefthander allowed one earned run on two hits, with one walk and two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings."