Fever forces Perkins to miss start

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: July 9, 2009 - 12:49 AM

Twins lefthander Glen Perkins was a late scratch on Wednesday because of a fever, forcing the Twins to start rookie righthander Anthony Swarzak against the Yankees.

Perkins wasn't much better after the 4-3 loss, so lefthander Francisco Liriano will start today's series finale.

Perkins notified team trainers around noon that he wasn't feeling well. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire got word at about 12:30 p.m. and spoke with Perkins on the phone before calling Swarzak to tell him that he was being moved up in the rotation one day.

"He actually thought he was going to get up and try to come in," Gardenhire said of Perkins. "He called the trainers back and said, 'I feel pretty bad.' "

Liriano last pitched on Saturday. Thanks to Monday's off day, he will be working on his normal period of rest between starts -- and if Perkins doesn't feel much better today, the Twins might name Nick Blackburn the starter for Friday's series opener vs. the White Sox. Blackburn also would be on his normal four days' rest.

Swarzak, making his first appearance since returning to the majors Saturday, fell to 2-3 with Wednesday's loss. He gave up four runs over 4 1/3 innings on eight hits with one walk.

Carew shares teams

Twins great Rod Carew is working at a training camp in Minnetonka this week and will be on hand this weekend when Brad Radke and late former farm director George Brophy are inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame.

But Carew on Monday was hired by the Angels as an executive representative. He will help out with media relations, community relations and marketing and sponsorship departments.

In a move approved by the Twins, the Hall of Famer will work for both the Twins and Angels.

"Rod Carew is a unique individual," Twins President Dave St. Peter said. "He has his number retired by two organizations, the Twins and the Angels. Rod came to us and asked if we would be open to him having a role with the Angels in addition to the Twins.

"He lives in Anaheim. We have to be respectful of the relationship he has with that organization, being a Hall of Fame iconic player for that franchise, as well as ours.''

But, as St. Peter pointed out: "Rod assured us that the Twins maintain priority status.''

Mauer to derby?

As of Wednesday night, the American League foursome for the Home Run Derby had not been announced. And Joe Mauer has not been asked to participate in Tuesday's event -- yet.

Mauer was a little squeamish when the subject was brought up. And he blames Justin Morneau, somehow, for pushing the "Mauer for Derby" campaign.

But Mauer had another chance to revoke his candidacy and didn't. "It would be hard to turn down if they asked me,'' he said.

International signings

The most promising of the international prospects the Twins have either signed or have reached agreement with are Jorge Polanco and Jonatan Ynojoso, a pair of shortstops from the Dominican Republic. Mike Radcliff, the Twins vice president of player personnel, said both have offensive upside.

The Twins also have agreements with Australian righthander Mark Trau and German outfielder Max Kepler. Kepler is considered to be the top prospect out of Europe but is very raw.

Keppel still at 0.00

Twins reliever Bobby Keppel pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday. In his four appearances spanning 11 1/3 innings, he has yet to give up a run.

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