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In spring training, Rogers was competing for a lefty specialist role in the bullpen and he lasted deep into camp before being optioned on March 23rd. Last year in Rochester he went 11-12 with a 3.98 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 126-to-44 K/BB ratio over 174 innings. He pitched two scoreless innings in his lone appearance there this year.
The 25-year-old has served mostly as a starter in the minors but profiles better as a reliever due to his consistent success against left-handed hitters. In Triple-A last season he held them to a .177/.209/.193 slash line with 55 strikeouts and five walks. Rogers now stands out as Paul Molitor's best option against tough lefty swingers late in games.
Perkins showed decreased velocity in his two appearances, which included a blown save against the Royals on Sunday. Obviously it's an ominous sign that he's going on the shelf one week into the season, but hopefully some time off will enable him to come back strong with more life on his fastball.
Presumably Kevin Jepsen, who served as the team's closer down the stretch last year, will take over ninth-inning duties for the time being.
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