joe nathan

Joe Nathan and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a two-year contract with a club option for 2014, a move that means closer Neftali Feliz will shift to the starting rotation.

The Minnesota Twins placed right-handed reliever Joe Nathan on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday due to soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.

Matt Capps is taking over as the Minnesota Twins closer so Joe Nathan can work on regaining his form in non-save situations as he comes back from elbow surgery.

The change was announced before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Nathan had blown save opportunities Thursday and Saturday in games eventually won by the Rays.

Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan will miss the 2010 season because of a right elbow injury that will require surgery.

Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan will miss the 2010 season because of a right elbow injury that will require surgery.

Nathan, who leads the major leagues with 246 saves since 2004, made the decision after playing catch with Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson for 10 minutes on Sunday.

"It didn't go like we hoped," Nathan said.

Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow.

Minnesota Twins All-Star closer Joe Nathan has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. General Manager Bill Smith says the plan is to rest Nathan for two weeks, eliminate the soreness and build strength in his elbow before making any decisions about surgery.

Nathan was 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA, and had a career-high 47 saves last year.