All-Star closer Perkins shut down for season

Minnesota Twins pitcher Glen Perkins crouches down on the mound after giving up a three-run, go-ahead home run to Detroit Tigers' J.D. Martinez in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 4-3 with Perkins picking up the win following a game-tying double by Kurt Suzuki and a walk-off single by Aaron Hicks. (AP/Jim Mone)

MINNEAPOLIS — All-Star closer Glen Perkins is being shut down for the season by the Minnesota Twins because of a strain and secondary nerve irritation in his left forearm.

The Twins made the announcement on Friday.

Perkins, a Minnesota native who signed a four-year, $22 million contract extension in March, had 34 saves in 41 chances. He blew three of his last five and posted an ERA of 14.21 ERA.

“We don’t think it’s anything that’s going to hinder his ability to be ready to go,” general manager Terry Ryan said. “It’s just maintenance and strengthening as we go through the winter months. It’s actually good news.”

Twins medical director Dr. John Steubs said Perkins has been bothered by a similar injury at the end of each of the last two seasons, but pitched through it.

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