Arizona Says Gonzalez Won’t Be Back

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday told left fielder Luis Gonzalez they would not bring him back next season.

“Obviously, this is a very difficult day for the organization,” General Manager Josh Byrnes said. “Gonzo’s done about everything you can in this market as a player and as a person.”

Byrnes, managing partner Jeff Moorad and assistant general manager Peter Woodfork informed Gonzalez and his representatives of the club’s decision during a breakfast meeting.

Moorad used to be Gonzalez’s agent, and he negotiated the player’s current contract.

Byrnes said Eric Byrnes, who has played center field this year, would become the team’s everyday left fielder next season.

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Francisco Liriano and the Minnesota Twins are somewhat relieved, yet mostly mystified over the rookie left-hander’s latest test results.

“The MRI came back exactly the same as the previous one,” Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said. “He has a ligament strain, but there is no structural damage. That’s the good news. Now we have to find out why he’s having pain.”

Ryan said the Twins would take an ultra-conservative approach with Liriano, who made only 28 pitches Wednesday against Oakland in his first start in more than a month.

Liriano (12-3) is done for the season, including the playoffs.