innings, compiling a 2–1 record, a 2.97 ERA, and 27 strikeouts in seven games (six starts). On May 7, 2008, Perkins was called up to replace injured teammate Scott Baker. He started his first major league game against the Boston Red Sox on May 10, 2008, allowing three earned runs in six innings to record the loss. He recorded his first major league win in a home start against the Texas Rangers on May 20, 2008. On May 25, 2008, Perkins pitched arguably his best MLB performance. Starting in a road game against the Detroit Tigers, Perkins recorded the win by pitching innings while surrendering seven hits, one earned, two walks, and four strikeouts. Through June 30, Perkins started in all 11 of his appearances with the Twins. He had pitched innings, posting a 4–2 record, 4.31 ERA, and 38 strikeouts. On July 18, 2008, Perkins went six innings combined with three relievers on a three-hit shutout of the Texas Rangers. It was the first time that season that the game's highest-scoring offense had been shut out. Perkins finished the 2008 season with a 12–4 record and a 4.41 ERA in 26 starts. 2009 season Perkins appeared in 18 games (17 starts) with the Twins in 2009, going 6–7 with a 5.89 ERA. 2010 season Perkins began 2010 with Triple-A Rochester. Through August, he was 4–9 with a 6.08 ERA in 23 starts the Red Wings, though he showed enough improvement to earn a call-up from the Twins on August 9. Perkins appeared in four games (one start), going 0–1 with a 9.00 ERA before being optioned back to Rochester on August 28 to make room for newly acquired pitcher Brian Fuentes. Perkins returned to the majors in September after rosters expanded. He finished the season 1–1 with a 5.82 ERA in 13 games (one start). 2011 season Perkins played the whole season as relief pitcher, finishing 4–4 with two saves and a 2.48 ERA in 65 relief appearances. Perkins won the Twins Pitcher of the Year Award and Twins Comeback Player of the Year Award after the breakout season. On March 8, 2012, Perkins signed a three-year, $10.3 million extension with the Twins. Perkins was guaranteed $2.5 million in 2013, and $3.75 million in both 2014 and 2015. There was a 2016 option for $4.5 million with a $300,000 buyout. 2012 season Perkins became the Twins closer in July