The Minnesota Twins have named Matt Capps as their temporary new closer while their longtime closer Joe Nathan works on regaining his form in non-save situations after coming off of elbow surgery.
The change was announced before today’s 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in which Capps earned his first save of the season.
Nathan has struggled recently for the Twins blowing save opportunities in Thursdays and Saturdays games that were eventually won by the Rays. The inconsistent right-hander missed all of last season after having right elbow ligament replacement surgery.
“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.”
So far this season Nathan has gone 0-1 with a 8.44 ERA in six games. He was successful in his first three save opportunities this season before his last two appearances against Tampa Bay.
Source: SI.com
