Twins day at camp: Perkins unconcerned about lack of velocity

The Twins closer on Wednesday pitched a scoreless inning against Class A Frederick during which he consistently hit 91 to 92 miles per hour on the radar gun. Perkins' heater averaged 93.7 mph last season, and there have been times when the former Gopher has hit 96, even 97.

That's not happening this spring. Perkins has posted a 2.35 ERA with seven strikeouts over 7 ⅔ innings, but followers have watched opponents pull his fastball for hits and have wondered if there is a problem.

Twins manager Paul Molitor even touched on the subject Tuesday.

"We have to just trust that he's doing what he feels he needs to do,'' Molitor said. "Obviously, he's been more finesse than power in camp, but we'll see what we've got pretty soon.''

Perkins was an All-Star last season but fell apart during the second half, mostly because of neck and back issues. He spent most of the offseason in Fort Myers to train and said his back and his arm feel great. He is not worried about his velocity.

"Honestly, I could care less what it is,'' Perkins said. "I haven't uncorked a [regular-season] pitch. I don't really see a point in me wowing anybody right now.''

During his 17-pitch outing on Wednesday, Perkins gave up a bloop single but struck out three batters. Molitor and pitching coach Neil Allen were in attendance, also keeping an eye on Michael Tonkin as he pitched on the next field.

"I will be right where I need to be once the season starts and as we get going,'' he said.

When the Twins set their bullpen on Tuesday, they seemed to be missing someone to pitch long relief.

Not anymore.

The Twins plan to stretch out Tonkin, who was the closer at Class AAA Rochester last season. The process began on Wednesday when he pitched three innings against Class A Delmarva of the Orioles organization. Tonkin gave up one earned run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

The Twins will take 10 extra players to Washington for a two-game exhibition series against the Nationals. Three players — catcher Juan Centeno, infielder James Beresford and outfielder Darin Mastroianni — have remained in camp since they were officially reassigned to the minor leagues on Saturday. The rest are minor leaguers: righthanders Marcus Walden, Brandon Peterson, Jake Reed and Trevor Hildenberger, catcher Jairo Rodriguez, infielder Niko Goodrum and outfielder Travis Harrison.