(Ft. Myers, FL) -- Twins closer Joe Nathan is working to strengthen his right elbow with hopes the extra work will enable him to pitch this season despite suffering a torn ligament. The injury was revealed in an M-R-I test, and Nathan won't throw a pitch for at least two weeks while the swelling goes down. If there's no progress, Nathan could have surgery that would sideline him for the regular season. Nathan has saved more games than anyone else since coming to the Twins in 2004, and team officials are exploring options on finding a replacement. That could mean promoting someone already on the Twins' roster, although general manager Bill Smith is checking the availabilty of relief pitchers who are with other teams.