James Jahnke

Detroit Free Press

Former Detroit Tigers closer Joe Nathan is expected to join the Chicago Cubs "no later than Saturday," according to the Chicago Tribune.

Nathan has been on a 30-day rehab assignment in the Cubs' minor leagues after signing in May. He hasn't pitched since his second Tommy John surgery.

On Wednesday night, Nathan walked three and gave up two earned runs in two-thirds of an inning for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. He threw eight of his 21 pitches for strikes, according to the Tribune.

The 41-year-old Nathan has 377 career saves, eighth-most in major league history. He last pitched on April 6, 2015, in his only appearance that season for the Tigers. Detroit declined its $10-million option on Nathan in the off-season. He also has pitched for San Francisco, Minnesota and Texas.

"I never let negative thoughts come in," Nathan told the Tribune. "It was just, let's work my butt off and see where this thing gets to. If it doesn't come back, it doesn't come back. But my thoughts were always let's do what we can today to get myself better for tomorrow.

"They're giving me this fantastic opportunity. They're a team that's going to be good with or without me so I'm very fortunate they want to give me an opportunity. Hopefully, I'll help them out and get them to the postseason and then far into the postseason and into the World Series. I'm hoping it works out and it's a good fit for both sides."

The Associated Press contributed.