“It didn’t go as we had hoped” is how Joe Nathan described his throwing session today. Nathan and Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson played catch for the first time since Joe left his first Spring Training appearance of 2010 with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow.
Nathan and the Twins hoped rest and conditioning would allow Joe to pitch through his injury but that won’t be the case. Joe will now undergo “Tommy John” surgery to replace the ligament in his elbow and he plans to be back strong in 2011.
Going to miss you this year but looking forward to seeing you pitch in Target Field in 2011!
Dear Joe:
I met you early this month at Spring Training. Thank you for signing my ball and taking a photo with me, my brother and sister. We appreciate that you spent so much time with your fans.
We are sorry that you have to have “Tommy John” surgery but are looking forward to seeing you pitch next season.
Sincerely,
Ingrid
Difficult decision to make–and the fans are gonna miss you. This was the best move to have your future be stronger and more succesful. Was so worried that you might get hurt worse, if you tried to tough it out… Get well–