Wednesday Bantering: Francisco Liriano expected to start Thursday

Francisco Liriano, who left his last start early with neck and back spasms, is expected to start on Thursday in Toronto’s final game against the Boston Red Sox, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet tweets. Against Detroit, Liriano pitched just two full innings. After the game, he told media that his neck spasms had begun while he warmed up and continued to progress as the game started.

Liriano, a free agent after this season, is a key piece that Toronto may consider trading prior to the July 31st trade deadline.

The Yankees acquired Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox last night in exchange for three prospects and a major-league reliever.

Blake Rutherford (New York’s 2016 first-round pick), Ian Clarkin, Tito Polo and Tyler Clippard are heading to Chicago following the trade. The Red Sox, at one point considered to be in on Frazier, will now be at a severe disadvantage in the AL East.

The White Sox recalled third baseman Yoan Moncada to fill Frazier’s roster spot.

The Blue Jays lost 5-4 in 15 innings last night, with the final blow coming on a walk-off home run from Hanley Ramirez. The game, which concluded at 1:09 ET following a one-hour rain delay, was Toronto’s longest of the season.

In the eighth inning, with the game tied 3-3, the Blue Jays had runners on first and third with no out. Kevin Pillar grounded into an unconventional double play, but the runner at third (Troy Tulowitzki), didn’t score.

Today, Toronto will play Boston for the third of their four-game series with Aaron Sanchez on the mound. Sanchez will be starting his third consecutive game for the first time this season. Drew Pomeranz, who hasn’t lost since June 11th, starts for the Red Sox. You can watch the game on Sportsnet or listen to it on Sportsnet 590.

Other news:

• Former Blue Jay prospect Dawel Lugo was traded to the Tigers last night in the J.D. Martinez deal. Lugo was sent to the Diamondbacks from the Blue Jays in 2015, when Toronto acquired Cliff Pennington.
• Dalton Pompey, with no time left to rehab, is back on the 60-day disabled list with a knee injury.
• Joe Smith, barring any last-minute set backs, will join Toronto’s roster in time for tonight’s game.
• Former Blue Jay Chris Colabello has signed a minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, the team announced yesterday. Colabello will report to Milwaukee’s triple-A club, the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkColley.