Joe Nathan Replaces Matt Capps as Twins Closer
By Editorial Staff
He’s baaaaack.
After blowing his 7th save of the year Friday night, Matt Capps was replaced as the Twins’ closer by a familiar face. Joe Nathan will take over closer duties for Minnesota going forward.
Minnesota decided to make the switch after watching Capps give up Eric Hosmer’s 2 run shot Friday night, negating Nick Blackburn’s strong performance and putting the Twins 7 back of .500.
Capps had a rocky start of the season, carrying a 4.88 ERA into June. He was able to recover last month, only allowing a single run in 10 innings of work.
However, the success didn’t carry over into July as Capps has posted an atrocious 11.12 ERA this month.
Minnesota will try to get him back on track while pitching in a less pivotal position. In the meantime, they will turn to the man who has been a mainstay as the team’s finisher over the last 7 seasons.
After facing his own struggles to start 2011, Nathan was forced to the DL in late May when he experienced discomfort in the same elbow that cost him last season.
But the 36 year old has looked like the Nathan of old since returning from the disabled list. Over 9 appearances spanning 8.1 innings, Nathan has allowed only a single earned run on 4 hits. He hasn’t walked a batter and has struck out 7 while collecting 6 holds.
Nathan was thrown right into the fire and proved to be up for the challenge last night, as he held a one run lead and collected the save against the Royals.
For more on the Twins, be sure to check out Puckett’s Pond.