Chamberlain ready to close in Nathan's place

When it comes to his bullpen, Brad Aumsus's penchant for secrecy is more Jim Schwartz than Jim Leyland.

Ausmus won't tell the media which relievers are available on any given night, saying that he doesn't want the information to get the opposition via Twitter, while Leyland was happy to tell anyone who asked.

Friday, though, it doesn't take inside information to realize that Joe Nathan isn't likely to get on the mound in Seattle. Nathan has pitched on each of the last three days, and hasn't been sharp. He blew a save Wednesday in Oakland, and the A's had him on the ropes again on Thursday.

Nathan's problems didn't start this week, either. He blew his first save opportunity of the season, and his 5.23 ERA is the highest of his career. In his last five outings, he has allowed six runs in four innings, lost a game and blown two saves.

Ausmus told beat writers before the game that, if Nathan is indeed unavailable to pitch against the Mariners, Joba Chamberlain will serve as Detroit's closer. Chamberlain only has six career saves, but did get one of those earlier this season against the White Sox. Serving as the set-up man, Chamberlain hasn't allowed a run in his last seven outings, and has a 1.50 ERA in May.