Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - The Arizona Diamondbacks have picked up the
contract option on closer J.J. Putz for the 2013 season.
Putz recorded 32 saves and posted a record of 1-5 with a 2.82 earned run
average in 57 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2012. He converted 19
straight save opportunities from May 26 through the end of August and tied a
franchise record with 24 consecutive scoreless outings.
"J.J. has done a tremendous job for us over the past two seasons and is the
leader of our bullpen," said Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers in a
statement Saturday. "We are looking forward to bringing him back in the same
role next season as we continue to look for ways to strengthen the team."
Putz led an Arizona bullpen that registered a franchise-low 3.24 ERA in 2012.
He notched 45 saves in 2011 and his 77 saves are second only to Jose
Valverde's 98 in Diamondbacks history.
The 35-year-old right-hander has a career record of 33-31 with 183 saves and a
3.04 ERA in 10 big league seasons with Seattle, the New York Mets, Chicago
White Sox and Arizona.
The Sports Network