Twins closer Nathan has ligament tear in elbow

[IE]

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

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

Nathan may get a second opinion 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 elbow in Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

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

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[bleedingpurple]

:scared :scared

Well at least it happened in March.. Can try to fill the void.. Or at least prepare for it..

 

[fletcher]

It will be very slim for him to be able to pitch with that type of tear even a slight one, it will tear more over time, The UCL is a bitch when it gets inflamed or even a slight tear which most times leads to a major tear if you try to build and throw through it. 95% + if you don't shut it down or have TJ done it will turn into a full tear, also the pain is unreal and lose major speed and arm strenght. have played with 3 guys who had to go through this.