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

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 07:47:08 -0700

Detroit Tigers RP Joe Nathan lowered his arm slot in his delivery Thursday, June 19, and struck out the side. He had more velocity on his fastball, had more movement on his offspeed pitches and induced more swings and misses than he had in his previous 14 outings. He recorded five swings and misses in 15 pitches. He had five swings and misses in 108 pitches in his previous five outings combined. "It was crisp," manager Brad Ausmus said. "He might have even hit 94 (mph) on the radar gun, which is the hardest we've seen from him all year. That was really very encouraging."

Fantasy Tip: This is encouraging news for Nathan, who has been knocked around all season.

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| Source: MLive.com - Chris Iott

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 18:18:50 -0700

Updating a previous report, Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said Monday, June 9, that RP Joe Nathan will remain his closer despite series of struggles, and he hasn't "even considered" lifting the veteran from the role.

Fantasy Tip: The truth of the matter is the team really has no other options, either. No one has exactly lit it up in the back-end of the team's bullpen, and Nathan is just as good as any, plus he has the track record where a bounce back is expected.

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| Source: MLB.com - Joe Popely

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 14:18:50 -0700

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said RP Joe Nathan will be called upon if the team has a save opportunity Monday, June 9.

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| Source: MLive.com - James Schmehl

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 07:21:43 -0700

Detroit Tigers CL Joe Nathan was rested Sunday, June 8, when RP Joba Chamberlain blew a save opportunity.

Fantasy Tip: This may actually help Nathan's stock a bit and give him a little more rope.

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| Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 04 Jun 2014 07:32:35 -0700

Updating an earlier report, The Detroit News' Tom Gage thinks that Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has no choice but to stick with struggling CL Joe Nathan. "Joe's been very good for a very long time, and I expect him to be very good for the Tigers," Ausmus said. "And he expects himself to be very good. But even the best have rough times."

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| Source: The Detroit News - Tom Gage