Twins closer Joe Nathan has ligament tear in elbow

Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

General Manager Bill Smith says the plan Is to shut down Nathan for two weeks, eliminate the soreness and build up the strength in his elbow before making any decisions about surgery.

Nathan may get a second opinion Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon who has operated his elbow last October to remove bone chips.

Nathan hurt his ulnar collateral ligament. To that ligament injuries have led Thurs season-ending Tommy John surgery in other pitchers.

Nathan Flew back to Minneapolis Sunday after feeling soreness in the elbow in Saturday's game against the Red Sox.

Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA with a career-high 47 saves last year.Read More Story,http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2010-03-09-2575668327_x.htm

Twins closer Joe Nathan has ligament tear in elbow