Glen Perkins Earns 100th Career Save

Glen Perkins worked a scoreless ninth inning in last nights game to earn his 12th save of the season and his 100th of his career. While it wasn’t an impressive outing, Perkins closed the door on the Rays comeback bid in the ninth.

After retiring the first two batters he faced, Perkins surrendered back to back singles that put runners on first and second. Perkins is now a perfect 12-12 on save opportunities this season.

The Minnesota Native and former Golden Gopher has turned his career around after becoming the Twins closer. Perkins started his career coming out of the bullpen, before becoming entering the rotation in 2008. As a starter in 2008 Perkins finished the season with a 12-4 record. The following season wasn’t as kind to Perkins as he went 6-7 with a 5.89 earned run average.

Perkins spent the majority of the 2010 season in the minors. In 2011 Perkins had a breakout season as a reliever. Perkins appeared in 65 games, going 4-4 with a 2.48 earned run average.

In July of 2012, Perkins became the Twins closer. Since that move, Perkins hasn’t looked back. In 2013, Perkins recorded 36 saves for a team that won 66 games. He was also named to the All-Star team as an injury replacement.

Last season Perkins recorded 34 saves and was named to another All-Star team. Playing at Target Field, Perkins earned the save for the American League team.

Perkins is not a flashy closer like Craig Kimbrel, but he’s effective. When you take into account the fact that Perkins has been the closer for a team that’s lost 90 or more games for four straight seasons, it’s impressive how quickly he reached the 100 save milestone. Perkins is off to a great start in 2015 and could be on his way to another All-Star game performance and quite possibly a career-high in saves. While he’s nothing flashy, the Twins should be grateful that he’s their closer.

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