Perkins progressing with bullpen sessions

MINNEAPOLIS — Twins closer Glen Perkins took a big step in his recovery from his left shoulder strain on Saturday, as he threw a 33-pitch bullpen session without any issues and is hopeful to start a rehab assignment next weekend.

Perkins, on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 11, threw off a mound for the first time since pitching against the Royals on April 10. He threw 12 pitches with the catcher up in front of the plate before throwing 21 fastballs from normal distance.

Perkins called it encouraging, as he saw his initial bullpen session on May 23 pushed back because of shoulder discomfort while playing long toss from 120 feet. But after throwing from 120 feet three times this week, including a session before his bullpen on Saturday, Perkins said he believes his shoulder woes are behind him.

“It was good,” Perkins said. “It’s been so long I lost track. It’s been, like, eight weeks. It’s a big step after not being able to get to 120 feet a week and a half ago. It’s encouraging. I know I’m that much closer. Once you throw off a mound, it’s just a matter of time …

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