Rafael Perez

[Nick Nelson]

He made his first appearance of the season in Rochester yesterday, tossing a 1-2-3 inning on seven pitches.

 

How will the Twins handle him? How should they? They spoke about trying to turn him into a starter when they acquired him during the offseason, but following that path would probably mean waiting at least another month to get him into the fold, and even then success seems like a longshot since he hasn't started in about a decade. Keeping him in a relief role would likely hasten his timeline and would potentially give the Twins a secondary lefty specialist behind Brian Duensing.

[IdahoPilgrim]

Was the thought of making him a starter a reflection of some uncertainty on how some of their other newly acquired starters would fare? The idea that if they stumble Perez could be a back-up? If so, the need to do so seems less now than it might have in February.

[Nick Nelson]

Was the thought of making him a starter a reflection of some uncertainty on how some of their other newly acquired starters would fare? The idea that if they stumble Perez could be a back-up? If so, the need to do so seems less now than it might have in February.

 

I think you're right. For what it's worth, Mike Berardino says the idea of using Perez as a starter was "DOA."

[Seth Stohs]

The idea of him being a starter solely came from the Perez camp. The Twins said they'd give him an opportunity, but with the shoulder recovery and the timelines, I don't think it was ever a realistic thing. I also don't think he'd be even close to the first one called up if they needed a lefty. Thielbar and Robertson would both be ahead of him... I would hope.

[SweetOne69]

Well at least Perez didn't ask to be released on the 1st.

[cmathewson]

Off topic, but anybody heard anything about Harden? Last I heard, he was pitching off a mound at extended spring. Not sure how many innings or pitches he's up to, or how soon he'll be able to do a rehab start.

[LaBombo]

Off topic, but anybody heard anything about Harden? Last I heard, he was pitching off a mound at extended spring. Not sure how many innings or pitches he's up to, or how soon he'll be able to do a rehab start.

Soreness in right shoulder last week, but still throwing. No timeline for rehab start, but at least no report of the dreaded 'setback'.