Tigers Place Closer Joe Nathan on DL
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iStockphoto(DETROIT) — The Detroit Tigers placed closer Joe Nathan on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow flexor strain on Wednesday.
Nathan earned the save in the Tigers’ Opening Day victory over the Minnesota Twins but, according to Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski, Nathan has been dealing with a flexor problem for at least a week.
“I think it bothered him more at the end of last week, a little bit. And it bothered him a little bit on Monday, the day he pitched,” Dombrowski said. “Not major, but it just hasn’t cleared up for him.”
The 40-year-old Nathan is a six-time All-Star who has saved 377 games over his 15 year career.
Joakim Soria, who served as Kansas City’s closer for five season, will take over Nathan’s role.
The Tigers recalled left-handed reliever Blaine Hardy from Triple-A Toledo to take Nathan’s roster spot.
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