It is only the second week of Spring Training, but the Minnesota Twins were already dealt a possibly crippling blow to their chances of returning to the postseason in 2010. According to USA Today, All-Star closer Joe Nathan was sidelined with a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
As a result, the Twins and Nathan decided to shut it down before a re-evaluation will decide what is the best course of action for one of the game's best closers. Nathan said a decision regarding season-ending surgery will come within two weeks.
A tear in the ulnar collateral ligament has resulted in the dreaded Tommy John surgery for the majority of pitchers who suffer the injury. Not only is the possible loss of their closer a tough blow for the Twins' chances in 2010, but Nathan, 35, faces an uncertain future if he does go under the knife.
Nathan already endured arthroscopic elbow surgery following the 2009 season before leaving the mound during an appearance on Saturday against the Red Sox.
"I'm going to do whatever I can right now,'' Nathan said, "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. I know these guys have a decision to make, and they've got to 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.''
The Twins require a quick decision regarding Nathan's 2010 season because behind Nathan lies a slew of bullpen arms, none with viable closing experience. Jon Rauch's 26 career saves ranks second in the Twins bullpen behind Nathan's 247. Nathan recorded a career-high 47 saves in 2009.
Spring Training is a time of preseason hope, but the Twins were handed a season-altering injury.
"We probably won't have a final decision on where we're going for a week or two. Let it calm down, get some of the soreness out and re-evaluate from there," said Twins general manager Bill Smith.
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