As Joe Nathan walked off the mound at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, it was under circumstances he hadn't been a part of in quite some time, after giving up two home runs, three runs and failing to record an out in the top of the ninth inning while blowing his first save since April 11.
While walking off the mound, Nathan was booed by a decent amount of Rangers fans, which is just sad, not to mention stupid.
The appearance marked the first time the 37-year-old had appeared on three straight days since the end of June, and not something that works very well with most closers, not to mention those approaching 40 years old.
"I had no location today," Nathan told reporters after giving up four straight hits before being removed in favor of Koji Uehara. "I was falling behind in the count and throwing balls middle of the plate. You can't do that, not against hitters that are going to be looking for a fastball. Unfortunately, they left the yard today."
Nathan said he felt good, even if he might be going through what he called a "dead arm period", which is a naughty word to use regarding a pitcher. Dead arm now? That would be bad. But the fact that Nathan said he felt good is promising. Maybe he just shouldn't be out there on three straight days anymore, something he won't have to worry about come playoff time.
