Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:34:38 -0800

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan lowered him arm slot in the second half of last season. He dropped his ERA from 6.37 in April, May and June to 3.18 in July, August and September. Nathan has worked on the lower arm-slot delivery all winter, and he says,"it's allowed me to come into camp more comfortable in that slot." In addition to being comfortable with his delivery, Nathan reports his offseason work with a personal trainer has "changed my body composition a lot." Tigers manager Brad Ausmus says he's convinced Nathan's troubles last year were "more of an aberration and less about the aging process."

Fantasy Tip: Nathan's leash will be shorter as the Tigers closer with the presence of former Royals and Rangers closer Joakim Soria in the bullpen. That said, Nathan's role as the closer keeps him in the lower-tier among saves options entering this season. Gamers that draft Nathan would be wise to keep an eye on his spring results with his lower arm slot and new diet, and selecting Soria as a handcuff might be worthwhile as well.

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| Source: ESPN.com - Jayson Stark

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 04:18:56 -0700

Detroit Tigers CL Joe Nathan will have the closer job going into spring training, but general manager Dave Dombrowski said he will need to "perform up to the capabilities required" to keep the job.

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| Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:06:53 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan has had his share of struggles this year, but he's converted 11 of his last 12 save chances after slamming the door on the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, Sept. 9. He has pitched the last two days after elbow tenderness kept him sidelined last week. Nathan has given up four runs in 17 1/3 innings in his last 18 outings, for an ERA of 2.08 in that span, and he hasn't allowed a home run since June 28. He's had five straight scoreless outings, something he'd done only twice previously this year. Nathan has struggled with walks this season, giving out 25 free passes in 52 innings, but he's gone six straight outings without issuing one.

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| Source: ESPN.com

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:15:17 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan (elbow) is dealing with elbow tenderness, and he hasn't been available to pitch in the past few games.

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| Source: MLive.com - James Schmehl

Sat, 09 Aug 2014 14:00:18 -0700

Detroit Tigers CL Joe Nathan will continue to be the team's closer, according to manager Brad Ausmus.

Fantasy Tip: Nathan has been up-and-down all season. Actually, most of the time it has been the latter. Joakim Soria (side) went down with an injury, but he could inch back into the mix if he doesn't miss considerable time.

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| Source: MLive.com - James Schmehl

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 11:37:19 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan struck out the side in the ninth inning to record the save Thursday, July 24. He was consistently hitting 93 and 94 mph with his fastball.

Fantasy Tip: This refreshing skill probably was partially fueled by the acquisition of Joakim Soria, an alternative for saves. Nathan isn't in the clear yet, but this is a big statement toward him locking down the job. He's lucky Brad Ausmus already has given him a long leash this season.

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| Source: MLive.com - James Schmehl

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:40:09 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan will remain the closer, and RP Joakim Soria, recently acquired from the Texas Rangers, will work in a setup role, according to general manager Dave Dombrowski.

Fantasy Tip: Nathan's hold on the job is precariously, and he can ill-afford any further blown saves with a proven closer in Soria on the roster and waiting in the wings.

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| Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 08:56:19 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan has rattled off three straight scoreless outings, in which he has allowed two hits and no walks while striking out four in three innings (36 pitches). According to manager Brad Ausmus, Nathan has corrected the alignment of his head and arm slot with help from pitching coach Jeff Jones and bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer, who spotted the flaw during a recent homestand. The alteration has added a few miles per hour to his fastball.

Fantasy Tip: It's a solid revival, which could be good for his security and performance moving forward.

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| Source: FOXSportsDetroit.com - Steve Kornacki

Thu, 26 Jun 2014 11:43:15 -0700

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said during a radio interview that the team is looking to add to their bullpen in the trade market. Dombrowski said the team is not looking to acquire a closer, because they believe the improvement RP Joe Nathan has shown will carry into the second half of the season.

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| Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:26:28 -0700

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said that the club isn't looking for a closer, but instead a seventh- or eighth-inning depth arm. RP Joel Hanrahan (elbow) may be that guy once he returns from rehab.

Fantasy Tip: That's support for Joe Nathan, who has struggled a bit lately. Joba Chamberlain is next in line for Tigs saves under this current roster construction.

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| Source: MLB Network Radio