Fansided

5 reasons why Joe Nathan should ride off into the sunset

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) is relieved in the ninth inning by Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joe Nathan (36) is relieved in the ninth inning by Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

He’s Already Undergone Two Tommy John Surgeries

This isn’t the first time Joe Nathan has undergone Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. In fact, Nathan underwent the surgery in 2010 to repair the UCL — the same one he re-injured this season.

From 2004-09, Nathan recorded a league-high 246 saves and was considered one of the best closers in baseball and even looked like a guy who could be the highest-paid in the league at his position.

People were scared away by his elbow surgery at the age of 35, just one season after posting a 2.10 ERA and 47 saves. Nathan came back in 2011 and looked like his career was just a year or two away from being over. In 2011, Nathan posted a 4.84 ERA with just 14 saves in a reduced role with the Twins.

His career looked to be on its final stages, and for good reason. Not many people wanted to take a chance on a guy who struggled with command after a major elbow surgery, but Texas did.

The Ranger got a guy who posted an ERA of 2.80 and 1.39 in his two seasons, respectively, while looking youthful once again.

However, a second Tommy John surgery is nothing to mess with. As his body is beginning to quit on him, he should ride off into the sunset to avoid further destruction to his frame that could damage him in later years of his life.

Next: 2. He's set on money

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