Joe Nathan will be about a week behind the other Rangers' pitchers during spring training.

Nathan isn't injured, but the team just wants to bring the 38-year-old along slowly. He is the only one of the 31 healthy Rangers pitchers not to throw a live batting practice session yet. "At the age he is, we just want to make sure that any bullets we use down here are necessary," manager Ron Washington said. Nathan will be the team's closer again in 2013 after saving 37 games while posting a 2.80 ERA and 78/13 K/BB ratio over 64 1/3 innings last season.

Joe Nathan (arm) tossed a flawless inning of relief Wednesday in the Rangers' win over the Angels.

Nathan had been sidelined several days with right arm fatigue but appeared plenty well-rested while fanning one and issuing no walks or hits. The veteran right-hander boasts a 2.78 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 71/9 K/BB ratio in 58 1/3 innings this season as the Rangers' ninth-inning man.

Joe Nathan (arm) expects to be available Tuesday.

Nathan sat out this weekend because of what's being described as a slight dead arm phase. "Either way, I'll have to pitch through it," said the veteran righty. "It's good to get a mini-break and then get back at it." He has a 2.83 ERA in 57 1/3 total innings this season.