Detroit Tigers: Closer Joe Nathan hits 15-day DL

As the Detroit Tigers shut out the Minnesota Twins, 11-0, to earn their second straight shutout to begin the 2015 season, not a single thing went wrong.

Not on the field at least.

About an hour after the Tigers wrapped up their victory Wednesday afternoon, Detroit placed closer Joe Nathan on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained elbow according to NBC Sports.

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Nathan earned a one-out save, because it counts as a save when the tying run is in the on deck circle, in the, 4-0, victory over the Twins on Monday. He faced just one batter, striking out former Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter on a controversial check swing.

There was nothing apparently wrong with Nathan immediately after Monday’s game, so the timing of this announcement is a bit strange, but based on Nathan’s recent history and age, 40, it is hardly a surprise.

He blew a career-high seven saves and posted a 4.81 ERA in his first season with the Tigers in 2014.

Setup man and former Rangers closer Joakim Soria will move into the closer role for Detroit. Some Tigers fans would certainly argue losing Nathan isn’t a big deal because of his ineffectiveness last season. His absence, though, does make the Tigers bullpen a lot thinner.

As for the fantasy owners out there, Soria is a hot commodity. He should be owned in all standard leagues since he will be the Tigers closer for the foreseeable future.

Next: Verlander on DL; to miss first start