MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins left-hander Glen Perkins returned to the Twin Cities after rehabbing his shoulder in Florida, but he said his rehab has plateaued and the doctor who performed his surgery will confer with the club's medical staff about how to proceed.
Perkins, on the 60-day disabled list, underwent labrum surgery on June 23, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the operation. But Perkins hasn't progressed to anything more than throwing bullpen sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, so Dr. ElAttrache will confer with Twins Dr. John Steubs about a rehab plan moving forward.
"They're going to go over some things just to see if we can move it along," Perkins said. "I had the eight-month thing in my head, and after the surgery, I was told 10 months and it's 10 months now. But I've talked to some people who said it might be longer."
Perkins also met with Twins chief baseball officer Derek Falvey on Monday night, and Falvey said the organization will continue to be patient with the three-time All-Star because coming back from shoulder surgery is complicated.
"I've been banging my head against the wall, and I'd like to be further along, but that's how it goes," Perkins said. "I don't think it's because of anything I've done or haven't done. I think it's more about the goals I set that I haven't reached yet. I still feel like I'm one bullpen away from being ready to go but that bullpen just hasn't come yet."
Perkins said the issue is more when he throws off a mound than when throwing off flat ground. He said he can't throw with full intensity without discomfort in his shoulder creeping in during bullpen sessions.
"I can't let it go," Perkins said. "I can feel pain coming on. Not in a bad way, but whatever it is in there, whether it's inflammation or lack of strength, I just can't let it go. It's a hard thing to describe."
Perkins, 34, made two appearances last year and hasn't pitched since April 10, 2016. He knows he still has a tough road ahead to return, but he remains hopeful he'll return at some point this season.
"I want to play," Perkins said. "It's been over a year since I've played baseball. That's my motivation to get back. It's frustrating when you don't reach the goals you've set. I just need to get over that hump."
Worth noting
• Twins third baseman Miguel Sano's hearing for his one-game suspension will take place on Friday. If he loses his appeal, he'll have to serve his suspension on Friday against the Red Sox.
• Left-handed reliever Ryan O'Rourke underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. Dr. David Altchek performed the operation.