Yuniesky Betancourt hit a key three-run homer Sunday, leading the Kansas City Royals' 4-1 win over Minnesota. The homer, Betancourt's sixth this season, gave Kansas City a quick 3-0 lead with one out in the bottom of the second. Betancourt had three of his team's six hits and scored on a fourth-inning

The Minnesota Twins put left-hander Francisco Liriano on the 15-day disabled list because of fatigue in his throwing arm after he got roughed up by Texas. Liriano gave up seven runs in just two innings Monday night, dropping his record to 5-12 with a 5.80 earned-run average in 23 starts. After starting out 12-3 as a rookie in 2006, he had Tommy John surgery and missed the 2007 season.

Marlon Byrd had two hits and three RBI Monday in the Texas Rangers' 8-5 victory over Minnesota. Michael Young, Kevin Richardson and Josh Hamilton had two hits each for the Rangers, who have won three straight games and five of their last six.

Francisco Liriano allowed three hits in his longest outing of the season Wednesday, lifting the Minnesota Twins to a 7-1 victory over Kansas City. Liriano (5-11) went seven innings, giving up a run and striking out eight.

Aaron Laffey allowed just one unearned run in the longest outing of his career Wednesday, boosting the Cleveland Indians to an 8-1 victory over Minnesota. Laffey (5-3), who is in his third major league season, and was making his 34th career start, went eight innings while giving up six hits.