Joe Nathan
RP FA
Mon 11/2/15 3:38 PM

Nathan (elbow) has not begun throwing but is hoping to return before the All Star break, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
Nathan underwent Tommy John surgery early in the season, but the 40-year-old is attempting to rehab his way back rather than call it a career. He'll become a free agent if the Tigers decline his option for 2016 as expected, but he could help out a bullpen in the second half of the season wherever he lands.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Fri 5/8/15 1:31 PM

Nathan has been moved to the 60-day disabled list, Chris Iott of MLive.com reports. The transfer is just a clerical move by the Tigers to open up a spot in the 40-man roster and doesn't really say anything about Nathan's long-term viability.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Thu 4/23/15 10:03 AM

Nathan has a torn UCL and tendon in his right elbow, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. Nathan "felt a pop" in his elbow during what was supposed to be his only rehab assignment Wednesday, and his words afterwards didn't sound particularly encouraging. He's now scheduled for season-ending surgery, which may risk ending the career of the 40-year-old reliever. Detroit will turn to Joakim Soria at closer for the remainder of the season.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Thu 4/23/15 9:35 AM

Nathan (elbow) had his injury rehabilitation assignment recalled by the TIgers on Thursday. Nathan will remain on the disabled list in what amounts to a procedural move for the team. There aren't any further details available regarding the injury just yet, but expect the 40-year-old's projected absence to be extended after he felt a pop in his elbow during his most recent rehab stint.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Wed 4/22/15 3:52 PM

Nathan (elbow) said he felt a pop in his right arm during his rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, MLive.com reports. "It feels like I broke my arm," Nathan said. "I never have broken my arm, but I would assume this is what it feels like." Nathan was scheduled to throw 25 pitches in what was expected to be his lone rehab outing, but the setback forced him off the hill after just 10 pitches. It doesn't sound good for the 40-year-old, but Nathan is expected to undergo a series of tests, including an MRI, to determine the true extent of the issue. Joakim Soria will continue to close for the Tigers for the time being.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Wed 4/22/15 12:43 PM

Nathan (elbow) exited his rehab assignment early Wednesday after appearing to tweak something, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports. Nathan was expected to rejoin the team Friday, but a setback could push his return date back. He reportedly winced following a pitch to his third batter of the inning and was removed immediately. An update on his status is likely forthcoming, but the Friday return now appears more bleak.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Tue 4/21/15 4:04 PM

Nathan (elbow) will make a rehab appearance with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, and he expects to rejoin the Tigers for Friday's game against the Indians, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. While Nathan won't quite make it back after the 15-day minimum, he's only a couple of days behind. Joakim Soria has done well in the closer's role, converting all five of his save opportunities for the team with baseball's best record. Should Nathan suffer through a stretch of poor performances, the Tigers might be more inclined to make a change, having now seen Soria handle the role well.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Mon 4/20/15 5:57 PM

Nathan (elbow) threw his a bullpen session Monday, James Schmehl of MLive.com reports. Nathan threw off a mound Saturday, but Monday was his first full bullpen since landing on the disabled list two weeks ago with a flexor strain. The closer is eligible to be activated from the DL on Wednesday, but it appears as though he may need more than just the minimum 15 days before coming back.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Sun 4/19/15 10:24 AM

Nathan (elbow) may not be ready to be activated from the disabled list when first eligible Wednesday, James Schmehl of MLive.com reports. Nathan was able to throw off a mound Saturday, but the Tigers would still like to see their veteran reliever work in a simulated game or rehab appearance before activating him. Joakim Soria, who is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities, will continue to close games until Nathan is healthy enough for a return.

Joe Nathan
RP FA
Sat 4/18/15 8:27 PM

Nathan (elbow) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Saturday and reported no soreness, MLive.com reports. Nathan showed up to the park Saturday expecting to just throw long toss, but the Tigers returned him to elevated ground and everything went smoothly. Next up will be a full bullpen session Monday. While Nathan will be eligible to return from the DL on Wednesday, he declined to speculate as to whether he will return that day, saying "I assume they would want me to get some game action to make sure (I'm ready)." Manager Brad Ausmus has indicated Nathan will reclaim the closer role from Joakim Soria once healthy.