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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins suddenly have a glaring concern about closing games for the first time since Joe Nathan took over in 2004.
Tests on Nathan's right throwing elbow have revealed a significant tear in the ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that could require season-ending Tommy John surgery. Nathan's 246 saves in six seasons are the most in the majors during that span.
The Twins shared the grim news on Tuesday in Fort Myers, Fla., before their exhibition game against the Cardinals. General Manager Bill Smith said the plan is to first give Nathan time to let soreness and swelling subside, and build strength in the muscles around the joint, before a final decision about surgery.
In the meantime, a second opinion will be sought from Dr. James Andrews, the noted surgeon who removed bone spurs and chips from the elbow in October.
Nathan will try to pitch again in two weeks. If he can't, the four-time All-Star will have surgery. His season then would almost certainly be over, perhaps putting his status for next year in question, too.
Strasburg makes anticipated debut
VIERA, Fla. — Stephen Strasburg battled some nerves and location issues during his spring training debut.
Other than those minor hiccups, the top prospect was pretty impressive.
Strasburg threw two scoreless innings in the Nationals' 9-4 loss to the Tigers Tuesday, responding well to the hoopla surrounding his first exhibition start.
“It's just great to get my feet wet because I know what to expect next time,” he said.
Strasburg threw 15 of his 27 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits, successive two-out singles by Don Kelly and Alex Avila in the second. But the righty finished off Brent Dlugach with a breaking ball for an inning-ending strikeout.
Ex-Dodger Willie Davis found dead
LOS ANGELES — Willie Davis, a speedy center fielder who collected two World Series rings, three Gold Gloves and was a two-time All-Star during his 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died. He was 69.
Davis was found dead Tuesday in his Burbank home, police said, adding that they did not believe foul play was involved.
Davis' teammates included Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Johnny Roseboro, Junior Gilliam and Maury Wills. He won his World Series rings in 1963 and 1965. During the 1965 World Series, Davis stole three bases in one inning, including one where he had to crawl into second base after stumbling and falling.
Street might be questioned in probe
TUCSON, Ariz. — Rockies closer Huston Street says he has been notified that federal investigators might want to talk to him about a Canadian doctor being investigated in probes involving HGH and another drug.
Street says he visited Dr. Anthony Galea in Toronto in 2007 and 2008 while the right-hander was playing for the Athletics. He was looking for help with an irritated nerve in his elbow, then problems with his hip and quadriceps.
Galea was arrested in Canada last October on four charges relating to an unapproved substance called Actovegin. Yankees star Alex Rodriguez has also been linked to the doctor.
— The Associated Press
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