Glen Perkins on Thursday said that he's been treated for inflammation around his radial nerve, and that there's no reason to worry that his forearm trouble is a sign of a developing situation with his ulnar collateral ligament.
Yes, he did have problems with his forearm last weekend and, yes, forearm problems can lead to problems with the ulnar collateral ligament. But the ligament is fine.
"This was a radial nerve (issue)," Perkins said. "It was getting pinched or irritated, and we had found some inflammation around the nerve up on my upper arm."
The irritation led to weakness in his forearm. Perkins added that he had an X-Ray and Magnetic Resonance Imaging exam of the humerus area that detected the inflammation. After two days of rest and anti-inflammatory medication, Perkins said he felt a lot better. He was available to pitch on Thursday if the Twins needed him.
Today is Joe Mauer's 29th birthday. He's 4-for-12 on his birthday.
Local media had a chance to meet with officials from MLB Operations today to learn about rule changes and how they discipline people for infractions. I was wound up about umpires not disclosing things that go on the field (i.e., why Denard Span and Ron Gardenhire were ejected on Tuesday). Unfortunately, umps aren't allowed to discuss the things they put in reports to the league. They can interpret rules, but not much more than that. That's unfortunate.
We did hear that the league is looking into banning the fake-the-throw-to-third-and-throw-to-first move, which many believe is a balk move.
The Twins plan to stick with 13 pitchers until they are sure Nick Blackburn is good to start on Tuesday. He will throw in the bullpen on Friday and again on Sunday.
