15 Glen Perkins, RP

Twins closer Glen Perkins was unable to hang on to a late lead as he suffered his first blown save of the season Tuesday night at Atlanta.

Perkins, who entered the game in the ninth inning with a one-run lead, surrendered a two-out home run to Evan Gattis, which took the game to extras. He struck out two and allowed one run on one hit over one inning of work in a 5-4 defeat.

Perkins has allowed four runs over his last 11 2/3 innings of work. He is 8 of 9 in save chances this season.

Twins reliever Glen Perkins returned to action Wednesday for the first time since saving his eighth game of the season on May 9 at Boston. Perkins, who had been out with a side injury, pitched an inning during a loss to the White Sox. 

Perkins gave up a hit and struck out a batter in a scoreless ninth inning. He threw 16 pitches and 14 went for strikes. His ERA is 3.29. Perkins is returning to the closer role for Minnesota and has gone 8 for 8 in save situations this season. 

Twins closer Glen Perkins will return from a side injury Wednesday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Perkins hasn't pitched since May 9 because of the injury. Manager Ron Gardenhire said Perkins will likely get an inning regardless of the score due to the layoff.

Twins reliever Glen Perkins has been cleared to return to the bullpen after missing two games with left side soreness, MLB.com reports.

Perkins, a lefty, was first bothered by the issue Thursday night against Boston. Expect him to return to the closer's role, where he has eight saves in as many chances.

Twins pitcher Glen Perkins played catch prior to Saturday's game against the Orioles, but was unavailable for the second consecutive night due to lingering soreness in his left side, MLB.com reports. Perkins, who has eight saves this season, said he first experienced the discomfort while pitching Thursday against Boston.

"He doesn't want to sit around and not throw for a few days, but he's not available," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. Perkins is considered day to day.