Twins' Brandon Kintzler: Likely closer to start season

Kintzler appears to be in line to be the Twins' closer until Glen Perkins (shoulder) is healthy again, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis:

The 32-year-old spent much of the 2016 season closing games for Minnesota, and it seems like he'll start 2017 in that role as well. Kintzler had modest success in this role, as he amassed 17 saves while posting a 3.40 ERA (1.57 ERA from his first save through the end of August). However, he doesn't strike out enough batters to have much value once Perkins returns, so he should only be viewed as a short-term option for most fantasy owners while he's picking up saves.