Matt Capps is back from the disabled list after missing the past two months with a shoulder injury, but in his absence Glen Perkins left no doubt that he’s the Twins’ best closer option.
Since taking over as closer Perkins has converted 14-of-15 save chances with a 1.91 ERA and 35/4 K/BB ratio in 38 innings, whereas Capps has a 3.64 ERA and just 73 total strikeouts in 121 innings since the Twins acquired him from the Nationals in mid-2010.
Capps has a $6 million option for next season, but even after giving up too much to get him and then paying too much to keep him the Twins will presumably cut bait on the 28-year-old right-hander. When healthy he’s a solid enough pitcher, but Capps has always been better suited for setup man duties.
