Twins' closer Nathan has torn ligament in throwing elbow

• Nathan throws

Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Nathan delivers against the Boston Red Sox in the third inning of a spring training baseball game in Fort Myers, Fla., Saturday. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

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Updated 10 a.m.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

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

Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA, and had a career-high 47 saves last year.

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

Nathan hurt his ulnar collateral ligament. Injuries to that ligament have led to 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 Boston.

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