MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins left-hander Hector Santiago has experienced another setback, just as he neared a possible return.
Prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Indians, Twins manager Paul Molitor announced that Santiago was pulled off his injury-rehab stint. Santiago, who has been on the 10-day disabled list since July 3 with upper thoracic back pain, has pitched in four games with Triple-A Rochester.
However, Santiago's previous turn in the Red Wings' rotation was skipped over.
"He didn't make his last start," Molitor said. "It's one of those things where he's not feeling quite right yet. We are still trying to do things that maybe get to the bottom of why he's been slow to get back to 100 percent."
Santiago underwent more testing in Rochester on Monday after experiencing soreness in the same area. The Twins have yet to receive the results.
Since beginning his rehab assignment on July 25, Santiago has made four starts, allowing a total of eight earned runs on 12 hits in a combined 14 innings. Santiago has 18 strikeouts and 12 walks over that span. He had thrown as many as 98 pitches in his most recent outing, which took place on Wednesday.
The last time Santiago pitched for the Twins was on July 2. He is 4-8 with a 5.63 ERA in 15 games this season, though he would have been a welcome addition for a club that seeks a fifth starter in the absence of Adalberto Mejia, who is on the DL with a left arm brachialis strain.
Molitor was unsure whether Santiago's rehab will resume when the results come in or if he will have to start all over.
"I think the fact that you pull him off, obviously it stops," Molitor said. "Whether you pick it up from that point or how it proceeds maybe depends on how long he's pulled back."
Perkins nearing return
The Twins have yet to announce an official plan for reliever Glen Perkins, who has been on the shelf with a left posterior shoulder strain. Perkins hasn't pitched for the Twins since April 10, 2016. He is coming off consecutive appearances out of the bullpen for Double-A Chattanooga, which is one of the final hurdles he wanted to clear in his rehab.
Molitor said that Perkins showed his best command in his most recent outing and a breaking ball that could produce strikeouts. The club hasn't ruled out a possible appearance for Perkins with Rochester at some point this week.
"Over the next couple days, we will contemplate what the best move is moving forward, not only for him, but for the rest of our team," Molitor said.