FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Lefty relievers Glen Perkins and Mason Melotakis continue to make progress with their injuries, as Perkins threw his fourth bullpen of the spring on Sunday and Melotakis resumed throwing after suffering a setback to his right oblique strain.
Perkins, coming off left labrum surgery, increased his throwing to 20 pitches after throwing 15 pitches in his first three sessions. He's currently throwing every four days, but has yet to throw anything but fastballs.
Perkins, a three-time All-Star who made only two appearances last year, remains a candidate to open the season on the disabled list. Brandon Kintzler figures to serve as closer if Perkins isn't ready by Opening Day.
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Melotakis, slowed by an oblique strain since the start of camp, threw from 90 feet on flat ground without any issues. His next step will be to throw from 120 feet.
It was the second time Melotakis has thrown since sustaining the injury, as his throwing session was cut short on Feb. 18 because of discomfort. But this time, Melotakis got through the session without any problems.
Melotakis, a hard thrower ranked as the club's No. 21 prospect by MLBPipeline.com, is competing for a spot in the bullpen. But with the injury and the fact he's never pitched above Double-A Chattanooga, he's considered a longshot to make the team.
Worth noting
• Byungho Park homered for the second straight game on Monday, launching a two-run blast to left from Miami's Jose Urena in the first. Park has worked to improve against higher velocity, and his homer came on a 96-mph fastball.
• First baseman Joe Mauer remains the lone position player yet to appear in a game, but he's scheduled to make his spring debut on Wednesday.