Twins left-hander Glen Perkins got his first opportunity this spring to start a game on Wednesday but the results weren’t exactly what he had hoped.

“Frustrating is the way I’d put the outing in one word,” Perkins said afterward. “I felt good and didn’t get good results.”

Perkins was given the start on Wednesday against the Rays due to Nick Blackburn being skipped in the rotation with a sore right knee. He gave up two runs on five hits in 2 1/2 inning and said afterward that he felt he made some good pitches that ended up as good hits.

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Still, it was a continuation of some spring struggles for Perkins, who has now allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 6 innings this spring. He’s currently competing for the fifth spot in the rotation with Francisco Liriano and Brian Duensing. But while his numbers aren’t great, Perkins has also not had the most consistent schedule this spring in terms of his workload.

Wednesday’s outing came just two days after Perkins threw 40 pitches in a relief appearance. He threw around 50 pitches in this start and he’ll likely have three days off before throwing in a game again on Sunday.Still, the quick turnaround is something that Perkins has actually viewed as a positive since his left shoulder — which bothered him all of last season — has been reacting well.

“I felt strong out there,” Perkins said. “I think that’s a good sign because when I was going through things, every fifth day was enough time to bounce back for me. To be able to bounce back in a couple days is a positive.”

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire
deemed the outing “all
right” and said Perkins’ location isn’t there yet. But he also stressed that Perkins is healthy and that’s a big thing for everyone to see.

Perkins said as long as he continues to stay healthy, he feels like the results will eventually come and so he’s not focused on how his current stats might affect his position in the race for the final rotation spot.

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“With the ups and downs I
had last year during the season I think I just want to stay healthy and to
continue to build arm strength first and foremost,” Perkins said. I think if I stay healthy
and continue to pitch, I’ll get better and the results will be there. I can’t
really control what happens other than I’ll just make my pitches. If they get
hits, hey get hits. I made better 
pitches today I thought than other games. Just gave up some good hits. I
think that’s the frustrating part. I got a couple of strikeouts which I hadn’t
been able to do. I made some good pitches when I had to. But as far as fighting
for a spot, I just want to stay healthy and pitch. At some point I hope the
rest  will take care of itself. I want to
stay on the field wherever it might be.”

.