Twins All-Star Closer Joe Nathan Has Torn Ligament in Throwing Elbow

Twins closer Joe Nathan is going to shut it down for two weeks after the Twins found a torn ligament in his throwing elbow this week, according to The Associated Press.

General manager Bill Smith will rest the closer before determining whether or not the ligament needs to be surgically repaired. He may get a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who operated on his elbow last October to remove bone chips.

Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA, and had a career-high 47 saves in 2009. He left Saturday's spring training game against the Red Sox with soreness in his elbow and was flown to Minnesota for review.