Tigers GM: Soria will close if Nathan struggles
Detroit Tigers pitcher Joe Nathan won't be afforded the luxury of holding on to the closer's role should his 2014 struggles carry on to next season.
Nathan posted a career-high 4.81 ERA and seven blown saves in 62 appearances in his first season in Detroit. General manager Dave Dombrowski attempted to bolster the depth of the bullpen by acquiring Joakim Soria in July and exercised the right-hander's $7-million option earlier this offseason as insurance should Nathan continue to regress.
"We all know he didn't have the year that he would have hoped, but he did all right for us back there," Dombrowski told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. "And now we're in a situation where if he doesn't get the job done, we have a guy to step in with Soria to replace him. We like Soria."
Detroit boasted one of the worst bullpens in the majors last season, finishing 27th in ERA (4.29), while ranking 29th in WHIP (1.48) and opponent batting average (.270).
The Tigers pen is expected to feature almost the same staff as last season, with a healthy Joel Hanrahan taking the place of Joba Chamberlain.