DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers placed closer Joe Nathan on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with what they called a flexor strain.
Nathan struck out Twins outfielder Torii Hunter for a one-out save to close Detroit's Opening Day win Monday. The Tigers said the 40-year-old felt some discomfort on the final pitch.
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Detroit called up left-handed reliever Blaine Hardy from Triple-A Toledo to take Nathan's spot on the 25-man roster. Hardy posted a 2.54 ERA in 38 appearances for the Tigers as a rookie in 2014, despite walking 20 hitters in 39 innings.
Manager Brad Ausmus said that Joakim Soria will take over in the ninth inning for the Tigers. Soria has 178 career saves, include 18 last season (only one with Detroit). The 30-year-old struggled in 13 outings with the Tigers last season, allowing six earned runs in 11 innings.
Soria came on for the final out of the game Wednesday, getting Trevor Plouffe to fly out to right field to polish off an 11-0 win.
Ausmus said Nathan will retain his closing duties when the returns to the Tigers' bullpen.