This past week, Glen Perkins was asked to do something he had never done before in his career with the Minnesota Twins—close out a game and preserve the victory.
Perkins picked up the first two saves in his sixth season with the Minnesota Twins, one in the third game against against the Brewers on July 3rd, and the second only two days later against the Tampa Bay Rays. In both instances, it was at the expense of Matt Capps who, over three appearances, had given up nine hits and five earned runs in only 1.2 innings pitched.
Perkins made his Twins debut in 2006 when he pitched in only four games working only 5.2 innings with a 1.59 ERA. His best season was two years later in 2008 when he started 26 games. He finished the season with a 12-4 record and a 4.41 ERA. His 12 wins were enough to tie him with Kevin Slowey for the most on the Twins pitching staff.
It looked like Perkins had established himself as a starter for a long time to come. In 2009 he was limited to only 17 starts and a 6-7 record with his ERA bloating to 5.89. He fell out of favor with manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson and would spend most of the 2010 season pitching for Triple-A Rochester.
Perkins has re-emerged as a dominant force out of the bullpen with the ability to retire right-handed batters as easily as lefties. His 1.87 ERA leads the Twins pitching staff.
Has Perkins done enough to possibly get a shot at closer for the Twins?
Both Joe Nathan (5.82 ERA with three blown saves) and Capps (4.42 ERA and four blown saves) have struggled taking a turn at closer.
Here's a look at six Twins pitchers that started as starters and ended up earning some saves for the Twins.
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