Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) – Detroit Tigers closer Joe Nathan will miss
the remainder of the season because of a right elbow injury that will require
surgery.
Nathan was placed on the disabled list during the opening week of the season
with a strained right elbow and was pulled from a rehab assignment Wednesday
after feeling what Tigers manager Brad Ausmus described as a “pop” in the
elbow.
Further tests, including an MRI exam, revealed a torn ulnar collateral
ligament and flexor pronator tear. Surgery will be performed at a later date.
Nathan picked up a save in the season opener against Minnesota, then went on
the disabled list after complaining of elbow pain. He previously had Tommy
John surgery and missed the entire 2010 season while with the Twins.
The 40-year-old right-hander had 35 saves in 2014, his first season with
Detroit. He has 377 career saves and a 2.89 ERA with a record of 62-34 in 777
career games with Detroit, Texas, Minnesota and San Francisco.
Nathan, who broke into the majors as a starter with the Giants in 1999, has
been an All-Star six times in his career.
Joakim Soria has settled in as Detroit’s closer in Nathan’s absence.
