So that’s why Glen Perkins threw so badly in the latter stages of the season. Twins insiders revealed yesterday our closer underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on 1 October to fix medial meniscus in his right knee, an issue that had been troubling the 30-year-old for some time.

Thankfully, it appears no lasting damage was caused from two months of pitching through the pain and since the surgery Perkins revealed he has felt fine. But it is nevertheless a concern for MLB betting fans on bet365, for few of us knew just how serious the problem was.

When you’re betting MLB World Series, of course you look at the odds, pitching stats and recent form. Perkins’ numbers are pretty good, especially when you consider who he’s up against in the majors’ leftie group, but since the All-Star Break (which he made the AL team in July) his stats took a big hit.

Before the season’s halfway point, Perkins had a 1.82 ERA, which jumped to 2.89 afterwards. He lost that zip, that threating pace in his throw and opponent batters could see that – raising their slugging to .361 from .262.

Punters have lost their confidence in his because of this, for there’s always a risk your out-of-form guy will cost you a big game or series.

Luckily for the Twins, Perkins’ latter performances didn’t cost them wins (although he didn’t earn any either). If we’re to make a serious challenge on the playoffs next season – and we know that’s a long way off achieving – we must have a dangerous and fit bullpen ready to see out games.

Perkins will get back to fitness work in November and pitching a month later, so he is expected to be 100% by the spring. This can only be good news for a player who still has two years left on his contract and has proven a reliable closer all his career.