Joe Nathan played catch yesterday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery in March, making 20 throws from flat ground at a distance of 45 feet.
Starting to throw again from flat ground is merely the first big step on the long road back from Tommy John surgery and Nathan is still not a sure thing to be ready for Opening Day next season, but so far so good.
Just to see that the work up to this point is working is very encouraging. Just to get out here and finally play some baseball, play some catch and not feel any pain, it’s very encouraging. We’re right on track. You don’t want to say you’re ahead of schedule, because with Tommy John surgery, that’s usually not a good thing. It usually means there will be setbacks. So we talk about the importance of being patient and not thinking you’re ahead of the game.
Jon Rauch has fared well filling in for Nathan as the Twins’ closer, converting 20-of-24 save opportunities with a 3.31 ERA and 26/8 K/BB ratio in 35.1 innings, although he’s struggled some recently.
For more on Nathan’s comeback, Mel Antonen of USA Today wrote a lengthy article about his rehabbing away from the team in Tennessee.
