Joe Nathan served up a homer to Oswaldo Arcia in the ninth inning on Friday, but was still able to convert his eighth save of the season. Nathan entered with two men on base and the Rangers leading 4-0, but Arcia's three-run homer made things much closer. Still, the veteran stopper battled back and preserved the one-run victory. He now owns a 2.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10/1 K/BB ratio on the season, and remains one of the finest closers in the league.

Joe Nathan picked up his seventh save in seven opportunities Thursday with a scoreless ninth against the Twins. Nathan's velocity remains down, and he's throwing more breaking balls to compensate. So far, it's working just fine for him, as he's allowed one run in 8 1/3 innings. He doesn't really look dominant, though.

Joe Nathan has converted all three of his save chances while boasting a 1.80 ERA and 6/1 K/BB ratio over five frames this season. The lone run Nathan allowed came in an outing against the Rays Monday that could have been worse if not for Marty Foster's generous strike three call. Still, the 38-year-old has been lights-out otherwise and is on his way to again being one of the better fantasy closers this season.

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 declined an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Nathan is 38 years old and two years removed from Tommy John surgery, so his primary focus is pitching for the Rangers. "I respectfully declined," Nathan told ESPN Dallas via text. "It was a huge honor to be asked and I feel good, but I want to do right by the Rangers."

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 returned to action on Wednesday September 19.

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.

Joe Nathan is unavailable for a second straight day Saturday. Nathan is getting a bit of a break after pitching in three straight games. There's no word of an injury and he should be ready if needed on Sunday. Alexi Ogando would presumably get the ball in a save situation Saturday.

Joe Nathan is unavailable Friday after pitching three days in a row. Mike Adams is also unavailable as he nurses a sore right trap muscle. Alexi Ogando would get the ball in a save situation Friday against the Mariners.