Joe Nathan missed all last season with Tommy John Surgery on his throwing elbow. Since his return, Nathan has had an era at 8.44 in six games. He converted his first three attempts to start the season, but last week he blew two straight against the Rays and decided to step down as closer. Nathan decided after these two blown saves to give up his role to fellow teammate Matt Capps. Nathan said "I don't want to put this team at any risk and cost them ballgames right now...I just thought it was the right thing to do for the ballclub and myself. Give myself a chance to get out there and still pitch on a consistent basis. Obviously that's what I need to do. Getting away from where every pitch could cost us a game." I commend Nathan for doing that for the team, and I respect him a lot more for stepping up and acting like that. It's hard to come off an injury and face the reality that things are going to take time to get back to normal. Wanting to stay a closer but not being able to is something that I am sure he is struggling with, but I love how he handled it. He thinks about the team and gives his spot up to his fellow teammate Matt Capps, who is very capable as a closer. Now Nathan can use his time to build up consistency with his pitching and not risk the ballclub games. Getting back to his closing role will now be motivation instead of an uncomfortable situation as he recovers. I hope for the best for Joe Nathan and I hope he gets his closing role back soon! I feel like there aren't enough good stories in baseball nowadays, so I thought it was a good opportunity to talk about someone who is doing a good act. The injured Twins will be a force to be reckon with once Nathan and the others get their legs back under their feet (pun not intended, but completely intended) and Maurer, Nathan and the rest of the Twins will quickly move out of the bottom of the division and make a run for the top of the AL Central.
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