Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan nailed down his sixth save of the season Monday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while recording a strikeout in a win over the Blue Jays.

It was a quick 1-2-3, as Nathan retired the Jays on 10 pitches, nine of which that went for strikes. Nathan looked shaky in a couple outings earlier this season, but he’s found his groove with six straight scoreless appearances. He’ll continue to see plenty of save chances for the best team in baseball.

Joe Nathan tossed a scoreless ninth inning in a non-save situation Saturday against the Twins.

It was Nathan’s first appearance since he gave up three runs in a blown save Wednesday against the Mariners. He allowed a single to Justin Morneau and a double to Josh Willingham to begin the inning, but struck out Ryan Doumit and Danny Valencia before getting Chris Parmelee to ground out to end it. Mike Adams and Alexi Ogando handled the last two save opportunities as Nathan was getting some extra rest, but his closer job is not any jeopardy at the moment.

Joe Nathan was given his second straight day off Friday, but Rangers’ manager Ron Washington said that his closer job is not in jeopardy.

Mike Adams closed out Thursday’s game and Alexi Ogando got the call on Friday, but Washington insists that Nathan is just getting extra rest after throwing 27 pitches as part of a blown save on Wednesday. “He had a big workload the last time out there, and we decided to give him one more,” said Washington. “He’ll be back in there tomorrow.”

The Rangers will stick with Joe Nathan as closer.

Nathan’s Ranger career has gotten off to a rocky start. The veteran has the club’s only two losses and a 9.00 ERA. Texas isn’t going to panic, but Mike Adams deserves a chance to close at some point. “Joe Nathan is proven and he’s going to get his opportunity with the Texas Rangers to prove he can close games,” Texas manager Ron Washington said. “I don’t want him looking over his back. I don’t want him doubting himself. I?m telling you guys right now he’s my closer and when he’s ready to go again he’s going to get the ball.”

Joe Nathan retired the heart of the Mariners lineup in order on Tuesday to pick up his second save of the season.

Nathan only needed nine pitches to retire Ichiro Suzuki, Justin Smoak and Kyle Seager in order. He’s been very impressive so far this season and maintains that everything feels great with his surgically repaired elbow. Don’t be surprised if he posts vintage numbers, similar to his great seasons in Minnesota.

Joe Nathan said he could pitch Sunday if needed, which would be his third consecutive day with an appearance.

Coming off Tommy John surgery last season, Nathan didn’t throw in three consecutive days even once in 2011. “Everything feels great,” Nathan said. “The last two nights I didn’t really tax my arm too much, so I can go.” It’s good news for the veteran’s fantasy owners that Nathan is prepared to take the ball more often this season. Durability is still an issue, however.

Joe Nathan protected a one-run lead with a perfect ninth Friday against the White Sox.

It was his first save for Texas after 260 with the Twins (and one with the Giants) Nathan gave up eight runs in seven innings this spring, taking three losses in the process, but the Rangers are still showing plenty of confidence in him, publicly at least. He got the job done today, retiring Alexei Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo and Gordon Beckham in order.

Joe Nathan is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the White Sox.

Nathan is throwing without any restrictions this spring and isn’t worried about his surgically-repaired elbow. The 37-year-old right-hander signed a two-year, $14.5 million contract with the Rangers in November and is expected to serve as the team’s closer this season with Neftali Feliz moving to the starting rotation.