MINNEAPOLIS -- Glen Perkins' 2014 season is over.
The Twins announced Friday that they're shutting down their All-Star closer for the final 10 games. Perkins was diagnosed with left forearm inflammation as well as secondary nerve irritation in his arm.
It was noted by general manager Terry Ryan and team doctor John Steubs that there was no structural damage found in Perkins' arm during his recent MRI. Steubs said Perkins' ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), the elbow ligament often associated with Tommy John surgery, "looks perfect." Perkins is expected to be ready for spring training.
"We don't think it's anything that's going to hinder his ability to be ready to go," Ryan said Friday. "It's just maintenance and strengthening as we go through the winter months. It's actually good news."
Perkins, 31, earned his second All-Star Game nod this year and saved 34 games in 63 appearances. He also struck out 66 batters and walked 11, while his ERA finished at 3.65 -- more than a run higher than the 2.30 ERA he had last season. Recently, Perkins missed several games with a stiff neck.
In September, Perkins allowed 11 baserunners and eight runs in 5 1/3 innings.
The Twins became worried about Perkins' arm on Tuesday when he blew a save in the ninth inning against Detroit. His velocity was down in that game -- and has been for much of the season -- so Minnesota sent him to have tests on his neck and left arm. According to FanGraphs, Perkins' fastball velocity this year averaged 93.4 mph, down from an average of 95.2 mph in each of the last two seasons.
Given that nothing was wrong structurally with Perkins, the Twins were able to breathe a sigh of relief Friday.
"We haven't identified any problem or any serious injury there," Steubs said. "We did a lot of nerve studies on him, too, that don't show any severe nerve pinch or nerve damage, which was what we were looking for."
Perkins was originally scheduled to go to Japan this offseason to represent the United States for a five-game series in November, but Ryan confirmed Friday that won't happen given the recent diagnosis.
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