Twins Replacing Nathan With Capps

[Elite]

The Minnesota Twins are moving Joe Nathan into a setup role after the closer blew his second save in three games Saturday night.

Nathan will be replaced by Matt Capps, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported Sunday morning.

Nathan, who didn't pitch last season after undergoing right elbow ligament replacement surgery, has an 8.44 ERA in 5 1/3 innings for the Twins (4-10), who have lost four straight and six of seven.

"I think everything, physically, how I feel, is fine," Nathan said Saturday night. "I'm still going through that process. Trying to get this thing back to where I'd like it. But there's inconsistencies. There's outings I go out and it comes out of my hand pretty good. Then there's outings and it's not quite as good."

Capps, who also was tabbed with a blown save Thursday, has allowed four earned runs over eight innings for a 4.50 ERA.

But according to the Star Tribune, Nathan was pressing to regain his All-Star form and thought he was hurting the team as a result.

The Twins close out their four-game series with the Rays on Sunday.

On Saturday, Capps gave up an RBI single in the eighth that cut the Rays' deficit to 3-2 before Nathan entered and allowed a game-tying home run.

Rays designated hitter Johnny Damon ended the 4-3 win with a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth, facing reliever Jose Mijares.

ESPN

Interesting, I think the Twins are overreacting a bit to his early struggles and I don't think this is going to help them. They should let him get re-accustomed to his role after missing the entire season with TJS.

 

[elcheato]

His velocity is down and he can't get people out but it could have a really negative effect on Nathan in the long run, but Capps was good last year as a closer so it should help them for now.

 

[cruzg24]

Nathan is just coming back from injury, I think he will be fine. He just needs time to get back to his normal self, his velocity is down but he is a wise veteran who can work out his problems.

 

[Lake Louise]

I think he'll be fine. They just want to try out something else because they are struggling.