MINNEAPOLIS -- Veteran right-hander Brandon Kintzler will begin the 2017 season as the Minnesota Twins' closer, with Glen Perkins on the disabled list, manager Paul Molitor announced Sunday.
"Kintzler is my closer," Molitor said Sunday, according to the Pioneer Press. "I've talked to Brandon some about being open-minded about some situations maybe a little bit unique to the old-school closer definition."
The Twins placed Perkins, a three-time All-Star, on the 60-day disabled list Sunday with a left posterior shoulder strain, a byproduct of the left-hander's recovery from surgery last season to repair a torn labrum.
Kintzler, 32, finished last season as the Twins' closer, saving 17 games, the first saves he recorded in seven major league seasons.
Moving Perkins to the long-term disabled list on Sunday was necessary so the Twins could add backup catcher Chris Gimenez to the 40-man roster.
In finalizing their 25-man roster for Opening Day, the Twins also optioned first baseman/designated hitter Kennys Vargas to Triple-A Rochester. Vargas was limited during spring training by the World Baseball Classic and then by an injury to his left foot. Backup outfielder Robbie Grossman will begin the year as the primary designated hitter.
Perkins joins pitcher Trevor May on the 60-day disabled list.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
