Joe Nathan

The Washington Nationals have released 42-year-old reliever Joe Nathan.

Fantasy Impact

Nathan had a solid spring throwing 11 innings with a 3.86 ERA but the Nationals just didn't have enough room in their bullpen. All the more so, fantasy wise, Nathan had no relevance even if he did make the Nationals roster. Joe Nathan can be ignored on all accounts.

Joe Nathan was signed by the Nationals on a minor league contract. Nathan played for both the Giants and Cubs in 2016 and, at 42, will compete for the Nationals closer role. He has not closed a game since 2014, but is eighth all-time in saves with 377.

Fantasy Impact

The Nationals are not willing to open the season with Shawn Kelley as a closer, so they signed Nathan and Matt Albers for depth. Nathan will get a fair shot at saves, but has only pitched 6 2/3 innings over the last two seasons. While he is past his prime, he did save 115 games from 2012-2014, posting a 2.94 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

Veteran RP Joe Nathan has been called up by the Chicago Cubs. He will be on the roster today against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Fantasy Impact

After a long road, once dominate closer Joe Nathan has finally made it back to the big leagues. The story is a nice one but Nathan is not worth a roster spot on any fantasy team. Follow the story, but don't get suckered into giving him a roster spot.

Joe Nathan could join the Cubs as soon as this weekend. He has appeared in 10 games for the team's minor league affiliate while working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Fantasy Impact

Nathan has been solid in the minors, averaging a strikeout per inning with solid ratios. He would be another late-inning option for Chicago, so his usefulness would largely be limited to holds leagues should he establish a role with the team.

Detroit Tigers closer Joe Nathan requires season-ending surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament and tendon.

Fantasy Impact

The Tigers had placed Nathan on the 15-day disabled list. He recently suffered a setback, stating that he was experiencing discomfort in his throwing elbow. It's unclear at this time if the injury will end the veteran's career. While Nathan started the season as the Tigers' closer, it wasn't clear if he would resume the role even if he was able to return to health. Replacement Joakim Soria has done a great job since Nathan's injury, saving five games with an ERA of 1.35. It looks like he will be the team's closer for the remainder of the year, barring injury, and as such figures to be one of the top finishers in fantasy baseball.