Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press says that pitcher Francisco Liriano could be a candidate to replace injured closer Joe Nathan. Smith asked Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire about the possibility of Liriano closing, and he said, “Everybody’s considered that’s not in the rotation.” That’s everybody except Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano.

Liriano has been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, but with the uncertainty of Nathan’s injury and his improved slider, makes him the best internal candidate for the closer job.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports earlier this week said that the Twins declined to say if they would consider Liriano as a replacement for Nathan, but they did not rule out the possibility.

Liriano, 26, was 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA in 29 games (24 starts) with the Twins in 2009. You can see Liriano’s contract history and statistics here.