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J.J. Putz designated for assignment by Arizona Diamondbacks

By Brad Rowland

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher J.J. Putz (40) throws a pitch as Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Justin Turner (10) leads off of second base during the fifth inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher J.J. Putz (40) throws a pitch as Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Justin Turner (10) leads off of second base during the fifth inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher J.J. Putz is less than two calendar years from putting together back-to-back seasons with 30 or more saves. However, the veteran right-hander has struggled mightily with both injury and performance in recent days, and as a result, the team elected to designate him for assignment on Friday, effectively ending his tenure with the organization.

The 37-year-old Putz entered the season with three consecutive campaigns with a sub-3.00 ERA, but the wheels have fallen off the wagon as he serves in a middle relief role. Through 13.2 innings across 18 appearances, Putz has suffered to a 6.59 ERA, and while his trademark strikeout rate is still high at 9.22 per 9 innings, it hasn’t been enough to sustain any sort of success.

At this point, Putz will be placed on waivers, but because he is making $7 million this season, it would be a significant surprise if any team were to simply claim his contract. Once he clears waivers, Putz will be free to sign with any Major League team, and because there is a real argument for his performance being simply unlucky this season (3.52 FIP, 3.71 xFIP), it is a safe bet that he will latch on somewhere.

Putz has reportedly been a class act throughout his time in Arizona, and as a parting shot, he had this to say about the organization.

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