Bullpen battle

Locks

Glen Perkins, LHP: Enters his third full season as closer.

Casey Fien, RHP: Has made 146 appearances over past two seasons.

Brian Duensing, LHP: ERA has dropped in each of the past three seasons.

Tim Stauffer, RHP: Will get a look as starter, but more effective out of bullpen.

In the running

Caleb Thielbar, LHP: Opponents hit .280 off him last season after .154 in 2013.

Ryan Pressly, RHP: Late cut from camp last year, impressed when promoted in July.

Michael Tonkin, RHP: Has the stuff to dominate, needs to put it together.

J.R. Graham, RHP: Twins have kept a Rule 5 pick before (see Pressly, Ryan).

Blaine Boyer, RHP: Held righthanded hitters to a .178 average in 2014 with San Diego.

Long shots

Lester Oliveros, RHP: Has the velocity but needs more than that.

Stephen Pryor, RHP: Should make his Twins debut sometime in 2015.

Aaron Thompson, RHP: Wasn't shabby after September call-up.

No shot

A.J. Achter, RHP: Made his major league debut last season.

Mark Hamburger, RHP: At age 28, time is running out for the St. Paul native.

Ryan O'Rourke, LHP: Bulldog mentality, but not yet his time.

Adrian Salcedo, RHP: Hasn't pitched above Class AA yet.

Wild cards

Mike Pelfrey: RHP: Veteran starter is open to relieving if needed.

Alex Meyer, RHP: Blazing fastball, but can the Twins' top pitching prospect pitch three or four times a week?

la velle e. neal iii