Perkins suffers setback: My shoulder 'just doesn't feel right'

Sidelined since early April with a shoulder strain, Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins has suffered a setback in his recovery and won't play catch for the next seven days, further delaying an already lengthy rehab process.

Perkins, who was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday for the first time since landing on the disabled list April 13, felt some stiffness in his shoulder during long-toss Friday and admitted ahead of his club's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays that things still feel off.

"It's a discomfort," Perkins told Mike Beradino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It just doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel even close to right, to be honest with you."

Earlier this month, the 33-year-old left-hander sounded optimistic about his recovery, telling reporters May 11 that his shoulder "feels good" and that his recovery had progressed "really well," but Perkins - who some had pegged for a mid-June return - now remains sidelined indefinitely.

In his absence, Kevin Jepsen has enjoyed little success as Minnesota's closer, converting just three saves in five chances while managing a 4.30 ERA and allowing four home runs in 15 appearances since April 15.

Perkins, a three-time All-Star, admitted a couple weeks ago that it's been tough watching the Twins - the only team he's played for in his 11-year career - struggle so much in 2016. Heading into Sunday's contest at Target Field, the Twins own the worst record (11-31) and run differential (-72) in the American League.

"It's not only the losing but just not being able to be out there," Perkins said. "I haven't faced that much the last five years to not be able to play and not be able to participate. Knowing I could help is tough, but I can't change anything that's happened. Sixty-five appearances a year for five years catches up to you. So hopefully the time I've taken off will make me stronger down the stretch."