Drying Pen; Twins Send Nathan to DL

Minnesota’s weakened bullpen takes yet another hit, as the Twins have placed Joe Nathan on the 15 day disabled list.  The right hander is experiencing soreness in the same elbow that required season ending surgery last year.

Entering 2011, the Twins were not sure what to expect from Nathan.  One of the game’s best closers, Tommy John surgery forced him to miss the entire 2010 season.

Nathan experienced a tear in his elbow last March during a spring training contest.  The surgery was successful and Nathan began the rehabilitation process.

Rehab appeared to go smoothly enough, as the four time All Star was able to join the Twins this spring.  However, Nathan did not look like the lock down closer of old, as he was rocked for an ERA of 8.53 over 7 exhibition games.

Even so, Minnesota started their 2011 campaign with Nathan as their closer.  He rewarded them, completing his first 3 save opportunities.  After 4 appearances, Nathan had allowed only a single run.

Then the trouble began.

Over his next three appearances, Nathan allowed 7 earned runs over only 2.1 innings of work.  Also during that stretch, Nathan blew his first two saves of the young season, and the Twins decided to give reliever Matt Capps a shot at closing duties.

Since then, Nathan has watched his ERA hover around double digits.  He will carry with him a mark of 7.63 to the DL.

The Twins expect Nathan to miss between 10 days and a month.

Nathan’s replacement, Capps, has dealt with his own issues this year.  After putting together a string of 5 saves in 5 chances, Capps has struggled.  The righty has blown 3 of his last 5 save opportunities, holding a 4.88 ERA on the year.

Minnesota’s pen has been in shambles all season, as Twins relievers have combined for a 5.57 ERA.  Nathan joins other bullpen mates Glen Perkins, Kevin Slowey and Jose Mijares on the DL.

Pitcher Chuck James has been called up from AAA to take Nathan’s roster spot and place in the pen.