MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have decided to place right-handed reliever Joe Nathan on the disabled list due to soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.
Manager Ron Gardenhire confirmed the move before Saturday’s game. The Twins were determining which pitcher to call up from the minors to take Nathan’s place in the bullpen.
Nathan has struggled in his recovery from Tommy John ligament replacement surgery that kept him out the entire 2010 season. He has a 7.63 ERA in 17 appearances.
With left-handers Jose Mijares and Glen Perkins and right-hander Kevin Slowey already on the disabled list, Minnesota’s bullpen is depleted. Three Twins relievers blew a 5-0 lead in the eighth inning Friday in a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.
