FORT MYERS, FLA. – Twins lefthander Glen Perkins said Sunday that he plans to throw off a mound Tuesday as he works his way back from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum.
Perkins was supposed to throw Friday but backed off, opting to give his arm more rest after several long-toss throwing sessions in recent weeks. The drills are designed to build arm strength, but the three-time All-Star closer — who pitched in only two games for the Twins last season — said he believed it wasn't time for a mound test just yet.
But Perkins said Sunday he felt much better and wants to give it a shot.
"I didn't throw on Friday but I played catch and it felt good," Perkins said. "I just wasn't at the point to where I could throw off the mound. Hopefully Tuesday."
Perkins, 33, is not predicting when he will be ready for the regular season, but maintains he did not have a setback last week.
"It will get there," he said. "Everything is going well so far. I said at TwinsFest that I have been able to check off every box the whole offseason. That was the first time I said, 'We're not quite there yet.' "
Perkins will throw 15 pitches in his session Tuesday, all fastballs.
Belisle chooses No. 9
Righthander Matt Belisle was on the phone with Twins officials shorty after signing with them earlier this month, trying to figure out which uniform number to wear.