Nathan had a strong first season with the Rangers, as he was selected to the represent the Rangers at the 2012 MLB All Star Game, the fifth all star selection of his career. He finished his 2012 campaign with 37 saves and an ERA of 2.80. During a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 8, 2013, Nathan earned his 300th career save after striking out Ben Zobrist looking on a controversial strike call made by home plate umpire Marty Foster. TV cameras captured Nathan saying "Wow!" after the call.