Nathan Has Torn UCL, Will Get Second Opinion

The Minnesota Twins confirmed pitcher Joe Nathan’s MRI from Monday revealed the veteran closer has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.

Typically a torn UCL would mean Tommy John surgery and that Nathan would certainly be done for the 2010 season.  Nathan will get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who was the doctor who did Nathan’s offseason surgery to remove bone spurs/chips.

“I’m going to do whatever I can right now,” Nathan said in a press conference, “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.”

Twins GM Bill Smith says the club will send the medical exam results to Dr. Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.  He said the team doesn’t expect a final decision for a week or two.

At this point, the best case scenario for him returning for the season is determining the severity of the tear and whether or not he can further damage the tear and pitch through pain.  The scenario appears to be a long shot.

Shortlink: