GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Asked what has stood out about Jack Perkins so far in Spring Training, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay did not bring up any new pitch or mechanical adjustment. What’s caught the skipper’s eye the most about the 26-year-old right-hander is his appearance.
“He’s lighter, yet stronger,” Kotsay said before Saturday’s 11-2 loss in their Cactus League opener against the White Sox. “He took to heart the offseason message of getting in better shape and adding some muscle. He looks great. We’re excited about getting him out there and watching him throw.”
Like many baseball players around MLB do every year, Perkins came back from the offseason looking trimmer than ever. But this is not the typical “best shape of my life” cliché. There was a real science behind Perkins reaching his optimal physical condition.
After completing his rehab from a right shoulder strain sustained last August that cut his season short, Perkins dug deep into finding out how his body operates and what he needs to do to keep himself healthy, something that has been an issue over the past two years as injuries have caused him to miss time.
Through various medical lab work such as GI testing, toxin tests and a full review and assessment of his genetics, Perkins developed a routine that he believes will keep him healthier and improve his ability to recover faster.
"We were just running the gauntlet to see what supplementation I can do to make my body right and what foods to eat or not eat,” said Perkins, who drew the start for the A’s on Saturday at Camelback Ranch. “We found a lot of really good things. I’ve found that I’m recovering better than I ever have in probably the last 10 years when it comes to baseball. So, I was just really diving into that and being disciplined.”
Staying disciplined is easier said than done. From a diet standpoint, it required a lot of sacrifices. For Perkins, the toughest thing to cut out was sugar -- specifically Mr. Pibb, his soda of choice whenever he indulges in the occasional Checkers or Chick-fil-A meal back home in Indiana.
"You try the alternatives like sparkling water and stuff like that,” Perkins said with a laugh. “But it’s not the same.”
Perkins stayed strong and avoided the Mr. Pibb temptation. The result was a shedding of about eight pounds from his 6-foot-1 frame. More importantly, Perkins noticed a difference in how his body recovered from intense workouts this offseason.
"Cutting out sugar really just allows the inflammation to get out of my body,” Perkins said. “It allows my body to target inflammation in areas like the shoulders and legs and things like that after your outing to truly, fully recover. I haven’t had that in the past. … My body is recovering better than it ever has. I’m super excited about that.”
Past injury history is why the A’s are mulling what type of role awaits Perkins in 2026. Having reached the big leagues as a top prospect last season, he shined as a reliever and notched three saves before moving into the starting rotation, where he also impressed in four starts before the shoulder injury. Overall, he posted a 4.19 ERA in 12 games (four starts) with 37 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.
"The plan is to continue to get him out there as much as possible,” Kotsay said. "Make sure that whatever role he lands in, he’s prepared for it. First three outings, we’ll get that pitch count up to a comfortable level. Then we can determine what direction we’re going to go.”
Especially with his newfound routine, Perkins fully believes he can develop into a top-tier starter at the Major League level just as he did in the Minors. The idea of shifting to a bullpen role, much like Mason Miller did a couple of years ago with the A’s and went from future ace to All-Star closer, is also intriguing to him.
"I think the huge benefit of last season was getting to do both and show the ability to do both,” Perkins said. “I think I can be a great starter in this league. I think I can be a great reliever.
"I had a great veteran presence with Mason Miller the last couple of seasons and got to pick his brain on what he’s done. That could be long relief, leverage or closing, who knows? I really like the ability to do both things. Whatever this club needs, I’m willing to do.”