Jared Cohen
The one-time closer and rock of the Diamondbacks bullpen, J.J. Putz, was designated for assignment on Friday wrapping up a four year stretch with the team consisting of 175 games, going 7-9 with 83 saves and a 2.81 ERA (50 ER in 160.1 IP).
J.J. Putz: “It’s sad. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. [The #Dbacks are] a first-class organization from top to bottom.”
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 20, 2014
Putz was lights out as closer for the exciting 2011 season with the Diamondbacks which ultimately resulted in them winning the NL West, only to fall in the divisional round to the Brewers in the playoffs. That season, he had a career-high 45 saves.
J.J. Putz, on being a key part of the #Dbacks‘ playoff team in 2011: “That’s the highlight of my career. That whole season was magical.”
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) June 20, 2014
Putz’s time will also be remembered by how much he was liked in the Diamondbacks clubhouse. A very well-liked player by his teammates and coaching staff and also the fans. He was a very important figure for younger pitchers on the staff as well.
Sad day to see JJ go… Learning from him was the best thing that happened to me as a professional. I can’t even explain his role in just…
— David Hernandez (@DHern_30) June 20, 2014
His 83 saves rank second on the D-backs’ all-time saves list and his 2.81 ERA is second best among D-backs pitchers all-time (minimum 50 games). Putz’s 189 career saves are 12th among all relievers since 2004 (he recorded his first save on August 7, 2004 for the Seattle Mariners in a 5-2 win @ Tampa Bay Devil Rays) and 51st in Major League history.
He stated after the announcement of him being designated for assignment that he will not go down to the minors and will look to begin with another major league squad’s bullpen this season.
In the process, the Diamondbacks call-up outfielder, Ender Inciarte.
