Twins Glen Perkins Likely Done for the Season: Fantasy Impact
By Bill Pivetz
The Twins closer Glen Perkins has been diagnosed with a serious shoulder injury. As a result, season-ending surgery is likely. Here is the impact from this news.
The Minnesota Twins bullpen just took another big hit. It was announced early Thursday afternoon that closer Glen Perkins was diagnosed torn shoulder labrum and will likely undergo surgery. This injury affects the Twins plans for the bullpen for the rest of the season.
Perkins only pitched in two games before finding himself on the DL. He had a blown save in his second outing, allowing two runs on three hits against the Kansas City Royals. This is disappointing after the first half he had last year. He was 28-for-28 in saves with a 1.24 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.
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The second half, unfortunately, was a complete 180. Glen Perkins had four saves in seven chances with a 6.97 ERA and 1.79 WHIP. It wasn’t evident at the time, but this injury could be the reason for his second-half struggles. Let’s hope the surgery and time off can get him back to all-star status.
The current crop of relievers isn’t pitching well as the team has used many pitchers in that role. Both Trevor May and set-up man Kevin Jepsen have struggled so far. May, who is currently on the 15-day DL, has a 6.08 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 40:10 K:BB ratio in 26.2 innings. Jepsen has seven saves with a 5.40 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB ratio in 26.2 innings.
Fernando Abad is the best pitcher the Twins have in their bullpen. In 22.2 innings so far, he has a 0.79 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB ratio. While he doesn’t have true closer experience, the Twins are 15 games out of first place so what is there to lose?
This is the third closer injury in the last week, following Jake McGee and Jonathan Papelbon. Yes, Glen Perkins has been injured since April, but many were hopeful he would return at some point this season.
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Looking ahead to 2017, Glen Perkins could be ready by the start of the 2017 season. However, with damage to his rotator cuff in addition to the labrum, he could miss the first month. I know we are months away, but when you are preparing for your draft, I would stay away from any Twins relief pitcher. Unless someone steps up in the second half this season, there is no one worth drafting.