May 17--The Chicago Cubs bought some low-risk insurance Tuesday by signing six-time American League All-Star closer Joe Nathan to a major league contract.
Nathan, 41, is in the final stages of recovering from his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, according to a source. The expectation is that Nathan will be ready after the All-Star break.
The Cubs, in a statement, said Nathan would be placed on the 60-day disabled list.
Nathan has 377 major league saves and earned four All-Star honors with the Minnesota Twins and two with the Texas Rangers. Nathan, however, hasn't pitched since April of 2015 when he injured his elbow on a minor league rehabilitation assignment with Detroit's Triple-A Toledo affiliate.
Nathan made one appearance for the Tigers in 2015. His last full major league season was with the Tigers in 2014, posting a 4.81 ERA with 35 saves in 62 appearances.
Nathan missed all of 2010 due to Tommy John surgery while pitching for the Minnesota Twins.
