Sportsbook odds on the Minnesota Twins might change a little bit since the Twins have suffered a huge loss as closer Joe Nathan is injured. The Twins announced that Nathan has a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm and that injury could end Nathan’s season. The Twins are considered a contender in the American League Central at the offshore sportsbook but this injury is a big blow.
Sportsbook stats have Nathan with 246 saves in the last six seasons and that is the most in baseball. The Twins are expected to rest Nathan and then decide what the best course of action is. They are getting a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews. Tommy John surgery could be the option since that replaces the ulnar collateral ligament. If that happens, then Nathan will be out for at least a year and possibly more. Nathan has said that he will throw through the pain but that seems unrealistic. “If I’m able to go out there and throw, then I’ll definitely give it a shot,” Nathan said, “The only reason that I would get a surgery done is if I’m just unable to go out there.”
The Twins have to make a decision soon since they need to know who will be closing games for them this sportsbook season. “They’ve got to prepare for the season, too,” Nathan said. The Twins have a lot invested in Nathan as they are paying him $11.25 million this season and next. “Obviously this wasn’t the news I wanted to hear,” Nathan said. “It definitely came as a bit of a surprise, but at the same time I’ve got to be patient right now and take this a step at a time. We’ll see how it feels in a week or two.”
Last season Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA last year, with a career-high 47 saves as offshore sportsbook stats indicated. He did give up a big home run in the playoffs though to Alex Rodriguez as the Twins lost to the Yankees. Replacing Nathan though will not be easy and other teams in the division could benefit. “That’s going to be a huge drop for them,” Chicago White Sox infielder Omar Vizquel said, “It’s not going to be easy to replace a guy like him. He pretty much guarantees a save every time.”
The Twins really don’t have much in the bullpen to replace Nathan although Jon Rauch has at least closed in the past.