Major League Baseball
Nathan has Tommy John surgery
Major League Baseball

Nathan has Tommy John surgery

Published Mar. 27, 2010 1:37 a.m. ET

The Minnesota Twins say closer Joe Nathan has had Tommy John surgery.

Nathan had the surgery on Friday. Doctors removed a tendon from his left wrist and placed it in Nathan's right elbow to replace the ulnar collateral ligament that was torn in an exhibition game on March 6.

The All-Star will miss the entire 2010 season.

Nathan set a career high and a franchise record with 47 saves last season to help Minnesota to the AL Central title. His 246 saves since 2004 are the most in the majors during that span.

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The Twins are still looking at all their options to replace him at the back end of their bullpen. Those options include relievers Jon Rauch and Matt Guerrier, starter Francisco Liriano or acquiring another closer by trade.

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