FORT MYERS, FLA. – Spring training has restarted for Glen Perkins.

The Twins All-Star closer pitched an uneventful — as in healthy — scoreless inning Thursday against Class AAA Pawtucket of the Red Sox chain. Afterward, he said the plan is for him to pitch again Saturday against Baltimore, then Tuesday against Toronto. Both those games are at Hammond Stadium.

Perkins hadn't pitched in a game since March 4, when he pitched an inning against the Gophers in an exhibition game. After that he began experiencing discomfort in his right oblique, forcing him out for just over two weeks.

Now healthy, Perkins expects to be ready in time for Opening Day.

"It will just be a routine of getting into games and pitching and building up arm strength," Perkins said. "I can tell that the strength you have when you warm up to get into games is just not there yet, which is expected. I just got a late start to spring training. Nothing I'll be worried about going forward. I will be just fine. I'll have plenty of opportunities to get appearances and get into game shape and be ready to rock and roll."

Perkins threw 14 pitches Thursday, nine for strikes. His fastball ranged from 90-93 miles per hour on the radar gun. His control was a little off and his slider could be better, but he expected that.

"It was my first outing of the spring, essentially," Perkins said.

La VELLE E. NEAL III