DETROIT — Tigers reliever Joe Nathan left a rehab outing Wednesday after pitching less than an inning, and Detroit manager Brad Ausmus says the 40-year-old right-hander felt a "pop" while throwing a fastball.
Ausmus says Nathan was being evaluated. He was pitching for Triple-A Toledo while trying to work his way back from a right elbow strain.
Nathan struck out the only batter he faced in Detroit’s season opener this month, but he hasn’t pitched in the majors since. His stint on the 15-day disabled list began April 7.
The Tigers signed Nathan before last season, and he struggled in 2014, finishing with 35 saves in 42 chances but posting a 4.81 ERA.
Joakim Soria is the closer for Detroit and has converted all five of his chances this season.