Morneau & Nathan Undergo Minor Surgeries

October 22, 2009 | Filed underTwins,Twins Fantasy | Posted by

Kelly Thesier (MLB Blogs) reports Minnesota Twins’ pitcher Joe Nathan and first baseman Justin Morneau each underwent “clean-up” surgeries on Tuesday to remove bone chips.

Thesier got the report confirmed by general manager Bill Smith in an email on Thursday.

Nathan had two bone chips removed from his right elbow by Dr. James Andrews. According to Smith, Nathan is expected to make a full recovery before Spring Training.

Morneau had a chip removed from his right wrist by Twins hand specialist Dr. Tom Verecka. Morneau was bothered by his wrist during the season, but he too is also expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training.

These types of surgeries are common for professional athletes during their offseasons. Nathan’s late-season display should not be blamed from the bone chips, and Morneau was out from a completely separate injury (lower back stress fracture).

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  • MauerPower

    I read somewhere that said Nathan did not blame this “bone ship” issue on his season-end play. In fact, he pretty much said he did fine with his 47-save season. He said something like he was only known for the guy with the one bad pitch at the one wrong time…

    Earth to Nathan… You were a bump for at least the last month of the season.