Perkins to represent Twins on AL All-Star squad
MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins closer Glen Perkins, who was a perfect 27-for-27 in save opportunities entering Monday, was named to the All-Star Game presented by T-Mobile for the third straight year, while second baseman Brian Dozier was named one of five Esurance MLB Final Vote candidates in the American League.
Perkins has been one of the best closers in the Majors this year, posting a 1.31 ERA with 32 strikeouts, five walks and two homers allowed in 34 1/3 innings. His streak of converting 27 straight saves tied a Twins record along with Joe Nathan. Perkins also joins Nathan and Rick Aguilera as the only Minnesota closers to be named to at least three All-Star Games. Perkins was selected via the players' ballot.
"I'm excited," Perkins said. "It's an opportunity to represent Minnesota, the people of Minnesota, the Twins and my teammates. We've had a really good first half so it's a little bit disappointing that there's not more. I think we have some deserving guys. But I'm thankful to [AL manager] Ned Yost and whoever else was involved in getting me to this team."
:: All-Star Game on Fox: July 14, 7 ET air time | 8:15 game time ::
Perkins didn't pitch in the All-Star Game at Citi Field in 2013, but the Minnesota native picked up the save in front of his home crowd in last year's All-Star Game at Target Field.
"As far as topping that, it's probably not going to happen," Perkins said. "But I had fun in New York and I didn't even pitch. So it's still an honor and something I'll never get tired of."
Perkins, though, said he believed Dozier deserves to be an All-Star reserve, and he'll get his chance via the Final Vote. Dozier leads the American League in extra-base hits with 45 and is tied with Toronto's Josh Donaldson for the AL lead with 61 runs scored, but Houston's Jose Altuve was voted in as the starter, while Cleveland's Jason Kipnis were selected over Dozier.
"He's been the best second baseman in baseball for the last year and a half," Perkins said. "So he deserves it. Hopefully we can get him in as one of those last couple guys. But he belongs. He's an All-Star player."
During the Midsummer Classic in Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14, fans can visit MLB.com to submit their choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. Voting exclusively at MLB.com, online and via their mobile devices in the 2015 All-Star Game MVP Vote presented by Chevrolet, the fans' collective voice will represent 20 percent of the overall vote that determines the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
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