Perkins has no lingering back or neck issues following rehab workouts with a core specialist, Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is a good sign for the Twins' closer as spring training nears. The 32-year-old had been dealing with these injuries since mid-august and they were likely the driving force behind his ridiculous 7.20 ERA over the last 12 games of the 2015 season.

Perkins took a loss and a blown save, allowing two runs on three hits, walking one and striking out three in an inning of work as the Twins dropped a 6-4 decision to the Tigers on Friday night.

EDGE Analysis

Still working his way back from neck and back injuries, he was not technically working in a save situation - he entered the game in the seventh inning - but he gave up a home run for the second game in a row. Perkins is not expected to return to the closer's role this year, but he does need to show he can take the reins again next season.

Perkins gave up two runs, on a two-run home run, in the ninth inning in Wenesday's win over Cleveland. He was working in an on-save situation and will remain in a setup role, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. "It has been a pretty good formula for us for now," manager Paul Molitor said of Kevin Jepsen closing. "Who's to say what could happen over the next 12 games?"

EDGE Analysis

Perkins has given up four earned runs in 4.1 innings in September, so it's not clear he's back to full speed with his recent health issues. He's had several setbacks since receiving two cortisone shots for a bulging disc in his neck on Aug. 19, missing time due to a sore back and neck.

Perkins (back) struck out the only batter he faced in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader loss to the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Perkins had not pitched since Sept. 1 as he'd dealt with back spasms. He pitched in the seventh inning Saturday and figures to serve in more of a setup role, yielding to Kevin Jepsen as the closer, until he shows he's healthy and back to full speed. His health remains a risk, however, considering he's had several setback since receiving two cortisone shots for a bulging disc in his neck on Aug. 19.

Perkins (back) will be available Friday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Perkins has not pitched since Sept. 1, as he's dealt with back spasms, but it appears the issue is now behind him. He figures to serve in more of a setup role upon his return, yielding to Kevin Jepsen as the closer.

Perkins (back) threw a 36-pitch bullpen session without issue Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Twins had said before he could return Friday if things went well Wednesday, but pitching coach Neil Allen didn't give out a timetable for his return. When Perkins returns he'll be in a setup role initially with Kevin Jepsen remaining in the closer role.

Perkins (back) threw a 31-pitch bullpen session Monday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He'll throw another bullpen session Wednesday with a goal of returning Friday.

EDGE Analysis

He'll throw long toss on Tuesday and Thursday. When he returns he'll be used in a setup role initially with Kevin Jepsen remaining in the closer role. While Perkins' progress is encouraging, it's still not certain how much he'll be able to pitch this month since he's had several setback since receiving two cortisone shots for a bulging disc in his neck on Aug. 19.

Perkins (back) is unlikely to immediately reclaim the closer's duties when he gets healthy, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kevin Jepsen has been rock solid in Perkins' absence, and manager Paul Molitor wants to make sure Perkins is healthy and effective when he returns, so Perkins will likely be used in a setup role for an outing or two when he is ready to resume pitching. Just when that will be remains to be seen, but the Twins are hoping that Perkins will be ready to get back on the mound sometime next week.

Perkins (back) still hasn't resumed baseball activity back in the Twin Cities and is unlikely to join the club until at least Sept. 14, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "He's doing fairly mundane stretching and bending and things like that," manager Paul Molitor said. "Moving slowly in terms of recovery. It's looking less and less likely we'll see him on this trip."

EDGE Analysis

Perkins has been out with back spasms, but they're likely related to the bulging disc in his neck that required two cortisone shots Aug. 19. It's possible Perkins may not pitch again this season or not return until late September.

Perkins (back spasms) won't go on the Twins' upcoming road trip, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports.

EDGE Analysis

Perkins was unable to get out of bed due to the back spasms Wednesday, despite feeling fine after getting a save Tuesday. He will stay in Minneapolis, and won't be available until Sept. 14, at the earliest, when the team returns for a 10-game homestand. Kevin Jepsen should serve as the Twins' closer for the foreseeable future.