Father Time appears to be catching up with Joe Nathan, so the Tigers are looking to the trade market to fortify the late innings.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Tigers are interested in Joakim Soria and Jason Frasor of the Rangers and Chad Qualls of the Astros, among others. All three pitchers have experience in the closer role.
Nathan, 39, owns an ugly 6.16 ERA over 33 appearances this season and is tied for second in the majors with five blown saves. Joba Chamberlain has pitched well in a set-up capacity, but the Tigers could use some reinforcements. Joel Hanrahan signed a one-year deal with the club in May, but he hasn’t been cleared for game action yet as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier this week that the Tigers are “quite interested” in a possible reunion with Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit. The 36-year-old saved 24 games for Detroit last season. Benoit’s teammate in San Diego, Huston Street, could be another potential target.
