Thu 6/16/11 11:51 AM

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Thursday that Joe Nathan (elbow) will "definitely" head to Triple-A Rochester to begin a minor league rehab assignment. Nathan threw batting practice Wednesday to teammate Joe Mauer and prospect Miguel Sano without any issues, so he's finally ready for game action. He'll likely need two or three appearances in the minors before rejoining the Twins.