Major League Baseball

Nathan out as Twins' closer

Published Apr. 17, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Matt Capps is taking over as the Minnesota Twins closer so Joe Nathan can work on regaining his form in non-save situations as he comes back from elbow surgery.

The change was announced before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Nathan had blown save opportunities Thursday and Saturday in games eventually won by the Rays. The right-hander missed all of last season after having right elbow ligament replacement surgery, and has been inconsistent this year.

''Until I start getting that back, and I know I will at some time, I don't want to put this team at any risk and cost them ballgames right now,'' Nathan said. ''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.''

Nathan is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in six games. He had converted all three save chances before his last two outings against Tampa Bay.

''It's one thing to go through his process of coming back from Tommy John surgery and trying to finish ballgames,'' Nathan said. ''Hopefully this move will help me get some consistency, get comfortable. I have to be fair to this team, to the staff, to myself. I have to be honest. If I'm going out there not a 100 percent physically or mentally right now, the smartest thing to do is give it to somebody else.''

Nathan went to see manager Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson to discuss the closer role after Saturday night's 4-3 loss to the Rays, in which Nathan gave up two runs in one-third of an inning.

''We're definitely close, it's not like I'm miles away,'' Nathan said. ''I don't think this is too far off.''

Capps had a combined 42 saves last year for the Twins and Washington.

''I kind of have mixed emotions,'' Capps said. ''Obviously it's something I want to do and something I enjoy doing, but it's not the way I wanted it to happen.''

Gardenhire is leaning toward left-hander Glen Perkins in the short-term as the eighth-inning man, which was Capps' old role. Minor league right-hander Jim Hoey could eventually fill the setup role.

Also, first baseman Justin Morneau was out of Sunday's lineup due to the flu.

Catcher Joe Mauer was back at the ballpark after spending the previous two days at the team hotel because of a viral infection.

The team feels the viral infection increased the Mauer's body soreness recently. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of leg weakness stemming from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

The three-time AL batting champion and 2009 AL MVP is scheduled for a follow-up visit to a specialist in Baltimore. The doctor treated a lower-back problem that put Mauer on the DL for a month in 2009.

A thinner-looking Mauer is expected to start a rehab program this week in Minnesota. Gardenhire hopes Mauer can return in a couple weeks.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball