Blue Jays replace concussed Liriano with Barnes on ALDS roster

Francisco Liriano won't pitch again in the American League Division Series.

The Toronto Blue Jays left-hander, who suffered a concussion after being hit in the head by a Carlos Gomez line drive in Game 2 of their ALDS against the Texas Rangers, was officially replaced on the team's roster for the series by right-hander Danny Barnes.

Because Liriano suffered a concussion, he is allowed to be named to the Blue Jays' roster if they get past the Rangers and reach the AL Championship Series thanks to a new eligibility rule. He would still have to sit out a full seven days as per the league's concussion protocol, however, meaning he wouldn't be able to return to action until next Saturday, according to Sportsnet's Arash Madani. Game 1 of this year's ALCS is scheduled for next Friday night.

Liriano sustained the injury after getting hit by Gomez's liner during a brief Texas rally in the eighth inning. The 32-year-old left the field under his own power and was later transported to an Arlington hospital, where he was cleared to fly back to Toronto with his teammates.

Liriano, acquired by Toronto at the Aug. 1 trade deadline, was supposed to play a major role in the team's bullpen as an extra left-handed option. He posted a 2.92 ERA and struck out 52 batters in 10 appearances (eight starts) with Toronto after the trade.

Barnes, who started the season in Double-A, posted a 3.95 ERA in 12 appearances with the Blue Jays this summer. The 26-year-old was particularly effective against left-handers, who hit just .200/.333/.300 in 24 plate appearances against him.

The Blue Jays hold a 2-0 lead in the ALDS over Texas, with Game 3 set to go at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday at Rogers Centre.