Closer Perkins dealing with back spasms

ST. PETERSBURG -- Twins closer Glen Perkins was unavailable against the Rays in Wednesday's 5-3 win, as he's been dealing with lower-back spasms.

With Perkins out, Kevin Jepsen picked up the save against his former team with a perfect ninth inning. It was the third save for Jepsen since being traded from the Rays to the Twins on July 31, as Perkins also missed five games with neck stiffness before returning on Sunday against the Orioles.

"Glen has been battling some back spasms, but his neck is fine," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He's been limited for a couple days here so we're just hoping through treatment he'll be available here in the short-term."

Perkins said he first started to feel back spasms while warming up before his appearance on Sunday against the Orioles, but was able to pitch through them. He said he remains hopeful he'll be ready to return by Thursday.

"I've kind of been dealing with it the last couple days," Perkins said. "Frustrating obviously to have a cortisone shot and then have my back lock up. It's not how I planned things. But it's felt better every day. Today, as the day went on, it felt pretty good. It's not gonna be long. I went to bed last night thinking I'd pitch today and it didn't happen, but I'll go to bed tonight, thinking I'll pitch tomorrow and hopefully this time it will."