MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins has soreness in his left side, making him unavailable to pitch in the series opener against Baltimore.
Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said before Friday’s game against the Orioles that Perkins was hurt while striking out Boston’s Shane Victorino on Thursday. Perkins struck out two in a hitless ninth inning against the Red Sox for his eighth save in as many chances this season.
Perkins has a 3.55 ERA in 13 appearances, with eight hits and five walks allowed in 12 2-3 innings. He has 20 strikeouts.
The 30-year-old left-hander took over as the closer last season. Since the start of 2011, he has a 2.61 ERA with 163 strikeouts in 144 2-3 innings.
