Perkins (shoulder) is making "solid progress" in his return from shoulder surgery and it's not unreasonable to think that he may be ready to pitch in spring training games, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

As a reliever, Perkins will not need a heavy volume of innings during Grapefruit League play to be ready for Opening Day. However, he's returning from a major injury, and the timetable for his return could be shifted back as needed if he experiences any setbacks in the coming months. Perkins is returning from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder, and as a result, he should be considered a long shot to return to his pre-2016 form -- at least initially -- upon returning.