RENO - D-Backs closer J.J. Putz will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno this weekend.

Putz has been on the disabled list since late last month with elbow tendinitis. He's got a 3.12 ERA and 21 saves with the Diamondbacks this season.

He's scheduled to pitch on Friday and Saturday against the River Cats down in Sacramento. If everything goes well, he'll likely be back with the D-Backs on Tuesday.

Putz was a American League All-Star while with the Mariners back in 2007.