Joe Nathan Injury: Updates on Tigers Pitcher's Flexor Strain and Return

The bullpen has been a problem area for the Detroit Tigers over the past several years, and that continues to be the case in 2015 with closer Joe Nathan out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn UCL.

Continue for updates.

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Nathan Speaks on Future Following Surgery

Saturday, May 2

After surgery on a torn UCL, Nathan spoke about his future with Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio, saying, "I'm gonna try, and I'm gonna push myself. If it doesn't happen I'm fine with the way my career has gone."

Nathan further elaborated about the potential end of his career, saying, "It's about the feeling. You know when you don't have anymore fight left. To me, I'm not there," per Stern.

On April 30, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reported that Nathan underwent successful surgery and "everything went well."

The Tigers announced on April 23 that Nathan suffered a torn UCL and a torn flexor pronator tendon, which forced him to have season-ending surgery on his elbow:

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports noted that there is precedent for a player of Nathan's age (40) returning from such a serious injury:

On April 22, James Schmehl of MLive.com reported that Nathan suffered a setback during his appearance at Triple-A Toledo. The medical staff checked Nathan after he "appeared to wince after throwing a strike." Schmehl provided additional details:

John Wagner of ToledoBlade.com provided comments from Nathan, who spoke about the severity of the injury:

Schmehl pointed out that Nathan "looked strong" prior to exiting, with his fastball hitting 88-89 miles per hour.

Nathan has been one of MLB's premier closers since emerging with the Minnesota Twins in 2004, but he took a big step back last year. Although he saved 35 games in his first season with the Tigers, his 4.81 ERA left plenty to be desired.

The six-time All-Star earned a save on Opening Day for the Tigers this season, but it didn't take long for bad news to strike.

As the Detroit Free Press noted when Nathan first went to the disabled list, Joakim Soria will fill in for the Tigers in Nathan's absence.

Soria is perfectly capable of filling in due to the fact that he closed for the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in the past, but losing Nathan hurts the bullpen depth considerably.

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