According to Kelsie Smith (via TwinCities.com), after blowing his second save opportunity in three days, Twins closer Joe Nathan walked into manager Ron Gardenhire's office Saturday night and recommended his own demotion, in favor of Matt Capps. As a result,
Minnesota’s Joe Nathan Out As Closer, Matt Capps In
Gardenhire announced this morning that, effective immediately, Capps will take over ninth inning duties and the team will try to find Nathan lower pressure situations to pitch in as the 36-year-old continues to search for the late life he said his pitches are still missing.
Nathan, of course, missed the entire 2010 season while recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Installed in his old spot as the Twins’ closer this spring, Nathan converted his first three save chances but wasn’t dominant and hasn’t been throwing as hard as he used to.
Capps converted 16 of 18 save opportunities after joining the Twins just before the trade deadline last July. Meanwhile, Nathan’s struggles are just another example of the problems that have Minnesota in the American League Central’s basement.
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