Twins closer Nathan has torn ligament

Published January 08, 2015

Twins closer Joe Nathan has a significant tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and could miss the entire season if it requires surgery, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune .

Team officials held an impromptu news conference to announce the development, with Nathan, GM Bill Smith and pitching coach Rick Anderson.

The report says the plan is to give it two weeks rest to let swelling die down before working with trainers and trying to pitch again.

If the trouble persists, he'll have season-ending surgery.

Nathan said he'll try to come to a decision quickly.

"I'm going to do whatever I can right now to give myself the best chance to go out there and help this team out, but at the same time, I'm not going let this go on too long because at the same time, I know these guys have a decision to make, and they've gotta prepare for the season, too, so I will make a decision quicker rather than later and give them ample time to do what they have to do,'' said Nathan.

The team says it will also send results to Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion.

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