Joe Nathan placed on DL with a strained right elbow

The Detroit Tigers’ weakest link last season was a bullpen that finished with the fourth-worst ERA in MLB. Among the biggest culprits was veteran closer Joe Nathan, who finished the season with a disappointing 4.81 ERA while allowing a .265 batting average and blowing seven saves. But despite what could only be described as Nathan’s least productive major league season, there was hope that even at age 40, Nathan could rediscover the confidence and the dominance that helped make him a six-time all-star with the Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers.

Unfortunately, if that’s to happen, it won’t be happening as soon as the Tigers had hoped. On Wednesday, general manager Dave Dombrowki announced that Nathan is headed to the disabled list with a right elbow flexor strain.

Nathan faced one batter in Monday’s 4-0 victory against the Minnesota Twins, striking out former teammate Torii Hunter to earn the save. But that might prove to be a costly save. On his final pitch, Nathan first felt discomfort, and according to manager Brad Ausmus it was determined on Wednesday that Nathan will require rest before being reevaluated later in the week.

“Actually on the very last pitch he threw, he kind of felt it grab on Monday,” Ausmus said. “Then he came in today, played catch and from what he said and how his face looked, you could tell it was bothering him quite a bit.

The Tigers didn’t do a whole lot to retool their battered bullpen during the offseason, but they do employ a couple good options to replace Nathan. Veteran Joakim Soria, who has two 40-save seasons under his belt from his time with the Kansas City Royals, will step into the role immediately.

Joba Chamberlain figures to move into the eighth inning and occasional closer role should Soria need a break. Left-hander Ian Krol will also be in the mix.

Based on last season, this might not seem like a great loss for Detroit. However, one can’t overlook Nathan’s track record, which includes 377 career saves, or his experience. Both suggest a bounce back season is possible, but obviously he’ll need his arm to cooperate to make it happen.

Also worth noting, we’re less than four days into the new baseball season and Nathan’s injury will result in the fourth change at closer in MLB. Two of them were a direct result of Craig Kimbrel being traded to the San Diego Padres. He’s their new closer while Jason Grilli takes over in Atlanta. Jenrry Mejia of the New York Mets also landed on the DL with a sore elbow. He’ll be replaced by Jeurys Familia.

Chaos is always expected in baseball, and especially in the bullpen. Just not this much, this soon.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813

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