Twins GM: Former All-Star closer Glen Perkins is retiring

Former Minnesota Twins left-hander Glen Perkins has decided to retire, general manager Thad Levine told a Minnesota radio station.

Perkins, a three-time All-Star, has struggled with a shoulder injury over the past 2 1/2 years.

Perkins, 34, made his third consecutive American League All-Star team in 2015 prior to the injury. He recorded 102 of his 120 career saves during that three-year span.

He underwent shoulder surgery to fix a torn labrum and repair rotator cuff damage in June of 2016 but was unable to make a full recovery. He pitched in two games for the Twins in 2016 before the surgery and just eight last season.

The Twins declined his $6.5 million option for 2018 and paid him a $700,000 buyout.

Perkins spent his entire 12-year career with Minnesota and went 35-25 with a 3.88 ERA in 409 career appearances (44 starts). His success picked up rapidly when he became a full-time reliever in 2011, eventually becoming the team's closer in 2013 when he compiled a career-best 36 saves.

Perkins ranks third in franchise history in saves and ninth in appearances.

--Field Level Media