Tigers' Ausmus plans to reinstate Nathan as closer upon return from DL

Though Joakim Soria has thrived in the closer's role for the Detroit Tigers since Joe Nathan landed on the disabled list on April 8, manager Brad Ausmus indicated Wednesday he intends to give the 40-year-old his old job back once he's healthy.

"We'll see what happens, but that's the plan," Ausmus told MLB.com's Jason Beck. "The most important thing, obviously, is to get him back."

Nathan, who stumbled through a miserable first campaign with Detroit in 2014, made just one appearance this season before landing on the disabled list with a flexor strain in his right elbow. The six-time All-Star was "pleasantly surprised" after throwing from 120 feet on Wednesday, and will play catch again Friday, according to Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.

Soria, though, could be tough to relegate to a setup role should he continue to pitch like he has through the nascent stages of 2015. The 30-year-old right-hander boasts a 2.45 ERA with a 0.55 WHIP over five appearances thus far, converting all three of his save opportunities in Nathan's absence.