MRI on Glen Perkins' left arm shows no ligament damage

The Minnesota Twins embarked on a four-game series at Yankee Stadium on Monday without their best relief pitcher. Due to forearm inflammation, left-hander Glen Perkins stayed back in Minneapolis to undergo an MRI.

According to a league source, results showed no ligament damage. Instead, the discomfort -- which crept in at the end of the Los Angeles series last week -- is believed to stem from the radial nerve. In that case, treatment would include mostly rest and medicine.

Perkins will continue to be evaluated as the week progresses, but there is hope he will be able to resume throwing again later this week.

Even so, with Nick Blackburn's status (shoulder) up in the air, and with Jason Marquis returning Wednesday for a start in New York, the Twins might need to make a DL move.

Perkins surrendered three runs to the Texas Rangers on Sunday without recording an out, including a two-run, go-ahead home run by Josh Hamilton.

Phil Mackey is a columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He co-hosts "Reusse & Mackey" weekdays from 4 to 6pm on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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