Twins closer Joe Nathan has ligament tear in elbow, may require surgery

Twins closer Nathan has ligament tear in elbow

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

General Manager Bill Smith says the plan is to rest Nathan for two weeks, eliminate the soreness and build strength in his elbow before making any decisions about surgery.

Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA and had a career-high 47 saves last year.

Nathan may get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon who operated on his elbow last October to remove bone chips.

Nathan hurt his ulnar collateral ligament. Injuries to that ligament have led to season-ending Tommy John surgery in other pitchers.

Nathan flew back to Minneapolis Sunday after feeling soreness in the joint during Saturday’s game against Boston.