Detroit Tigers closer Joe Nathan admits he has 'dead arm,' plans to work through it

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Joe Nathan hasn't been particularly sharp in his three appearances this season.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Despite a 4-2 start, one of the Detroit Tigers' biggest issues appears to be the back end of the bullpen. The club had hoped that wouldn't include 39-year-old closer Joe Nathan, who signed a multi-year deal in the offseason.

But Nathan, who blew a save in his second outing last week and has allowed two earned runs three total appearances, admitted on Mad Dog Radio on SiriusXM today that he has a "dead arm."

Nathan will receive $9 million from the Tigers in 2014, and $10 million in 2015. There's also a $10 million option for 2016, with $1 million Detroit buyout.

"Unfortunately there’s no secret to getting through it quicker," Nathan told host Adam Schein. "It’s just one of those things that will hit guys throughout the course of a year and you never know when it is going to be or how long it is going to last but all you can do is continue to throw and throw through it and hopefully one day you come there and the ball is coming out of your hand a lot cleaner and with a little more zip on it."

Detroit decided to allow Joaquin Benoit walk in free agency and opted to sign Nathan, who has 342 career saves.

Phil Coke surrendered a game-winning double to Carl Crawford in the Tigers' loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, and Joba Chamberlain has allowed three earned runs over two innings pitched.

Al Alburquerque also has allowed six hits and two earned runs in three innings. And Bruce Rondon is out for the season after Tommy John surgery.

— Email Josh Slagter at jslagter@mlive.com. Download the "Detroit Tigers" MLive app (iPhone or Android) for the latest news and updates.