The Twins' deep bullpen has been the most reliable strength of their team this season. But it got quite a bit more shallow on Friday.

Pat Neshek, the eighth-inning bridge to closer Joe Nathan, will miss the rest of the 2008 season, the team announced after an MRI exam discovered a partial tear in an elbow ligament.

"The rehab looks like it's three-to-four months, which would be the end of the season," Neshek said, "so we're just going to prepare for opening day next year."

Neshek had never had elbow problems in his career, until he felt a "tweak" while throwing a slider to Joe Crede in Chicago on Thursday. He had feared surgery, but the Twins don't believe it will be necessary.

Still, Neshek's absence creates a large hole in the bullpen. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he isn't likely to settle on one pitcher to fill Neshek's role, but will rely on a combination of Matt Guerrier, Juan Rincon, Dennys Reyes and Jesse Crain.

"We have a lot of confidence in our bullpen," Gardenhire said. "Neshek's pretty good at what he does, but other guys can get people out too. Somebody has to step up."

TWINS 7, RED SOX 6: After Jonathan Papelbon, a closer who rarely issues walks, walked Carlos Gomez, a hitter who rarely walks, the Twins figured it might be their night. Sure enough, .204-hitting Mike Lamb squibbed a chip shot into left field moments later, driving in two runs and giving Minnesota its eighth straight Metrodome victory. Boof Bonser allowed six runs in four innings, but the Twins' bullpen held Boston scoreless the rest of the way, making the unlikely rally possible.

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