Twins' Nathan Suffers Elbow Injury

Minnesota Twins closer, Joe Nathan, has a tear in his right elbow ligament that, worst case scenario, could require Tommy John surgery and cause him to miss all of the upcoming season and possibly some of the 2011 season.

Nathan suffered the injury Saturday, in a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox. He left the game with soreness and stiffness after facing three batters, walking two and striking out one. He had previously had surgery on the elbow in October to remove bone spurs and bone chips.

Nathan has been the Twins closer since 2004 when he came over in a trade with the San Francisco Giants along with Francisco Liriano, and Boof Bonser for A.J. Pierzynski. He has recorded at least 36 saves every year he has been with the Twins, with a high of 47 in 2009 . He has also been named to four all star teams.

A determination on whether or not he will have surgery won't be made for a couple of weeks. Nathan will try to throw then and could possibly pitch through the injury. If the pain persists, then surgery will be needed. Nathan will also visit Dr. James Andrews at some point in the next two weeks. Andrews is the authority when it comes to this type of injury and also performed Nathan's October surgery. Recovery time from Tommy John surgery is usually between 12 and 18 months.

Initially the Twins thought that it may just be scar tissue breaking up that could be causing the pain, but they received the grim news today. If they lose Nathan for the season there isn't an obvious choice to take over the closer's role. The only pitcher in the current bullpen with any experience in that role is Jon Rauch, who saved 17 games in 2008 with the Washington Nationals. The Twins may have to look outside the organization for help. This is undoubtedly a big blow to a team that is looking to repeat as American League Central Division champions and is also opening up a the new Target Field this season.