MILWAUKEE -- The Cubs added some potential second-half depth for the bullpen on Tuesday, signing pitcher Joe Nathan to a Major League contract. Nathan won't be joining the team immediately as he was placed on the 60-day disabled list. The right-hander is continuing his rehab from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2015.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he got to know Nathan during the 2009 All-Star Game.
"He's a great guy," Maddon said. "I was there for his 300th save in Texas. It's always good to add pitching depth. You can never have enough pitching depth. I think it's a great move and hopefully he'll be well."
Nathan, 41, will report to the Cubs' complex in Mesa, Ariz., to continue his rehab. He wasn't expected to be game-ready until July. He will make the Major League minimum, and the salary will be prorated. There also are performance clauses in his contract.
A six-time All-Star, Nathan has 377 saves, eighth-most in Major League history, in 15 seasons with the Giants, (1999-2000, 2002-03), Twins (2004-09, 2011), Rangers (2012-13) and Tigers (2014-15). He surpassed 30 saves in nine of 10 seasons from 2004-14, including four seasons with more than 40 saves.
Nathan made one appearance with the Tigers last year on April 6 and struck out Torii Hunter on four pitches before he was sidelined with elbow problems.