Glen Perkin: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
By Brennen Rupp
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher, Glen Perkins has had a roller coaster type of a season. In the first half of the season Perkins was arguably the game’s best closer. In the second half of the season the southpaw has struggled to get anybody out.
Back in July, Perkins set the Twins franchise record for for consecutive saves with 28. Before the All-Star Game, Perkins was 0-1 with a 1.21 earned run average with 28 saves. In 37.1 innings pitched he gave up just five earned runs, two saves and zero blown saves.
Since the All-Star Break Perkins would struggle to get me out. The southpaw is 2-4 with a 7.79 earned run average with just four saves and three blown saves.
In 17.1 innings pitched he’s given up 15 runs and seven home runs. Teams are hitting .376 off him in the second half compared to his .188 mark in the first half of the season.
Perkins continued his struggles last night against the Detroit Tigers. With the Twins up 4-2 in the seventh inning with two outs and two runners on Perkins entered the game to get the final out of the inning. Instead, Perkins walked Miguel Cabrera and gave up the game-tying two-run double to Victor Martinez.
With the game tied at four in the eighth inning Perkins came back out only to give up a two-run home run to Raji Davis.
The Twins had an opportunity to move within a half game of the Houston Astros last night, but with their loss they are now 1.5 games back.
The Twins will look to bounce back tonight against the Tigers with Tyler Duffey on the mound. Duffey is 4-1 with a 3.15 earned run average this season and will be looking for his fourth straight quality start. They’ll be facing Alfredo Simon who beat the Twins on September, 15.