The Detroit Tigers bullpen situation just got a bit more interesting. Closer Joe Nathan, placed on the DL earlier this month, will miss the rest of the season after tearing both his UCL and his flexor pronator tendon in his right elbow. Nathan will soon have season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Joe Nathan has UCL tear as well as flexor pronator tear, will have Tommy John surgery.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) April 23, 2015
The 40-year old Nathan threw just 1/3 of an inning this season, striking out one hitter and picking up a save for the Tigers on Opening Day against the Twins. He was placed on the DL soon after, and won’t get a chance to make up for his awful 2014 campaign with Detroit. Last season, he saved 35 games and blew a career-high seven saves, pitching to a 4.81 ERA in 58 innings.
Joakim Soria took over the closer’s role when Nathan was placed on the DL, and seemingly won’t be giving up the ninth inning spot any time soon. Soria has saved five games without blowing one this season in 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run and striking out four hitters without a walk. Detroit’s bullpen has been hit and miss in front of Soria, with Joba Chamberlain, Angel Nesbitt, and Tom Gorzelanny all pitching well while Blaine Hardy, Al Alburquerque, and Ian Krol have all struggled.
It’ll be interesting to see what Dave Dombrowski does with his bullpen as the season continues on. Last summer, he acquired Soria when Nathan and the bullpen struggled. If those struggles pop up again this year with Nathan out of the picture, could another top reliever be in the picture? Stay tuned.
