Height: 6-5
Weight: 245
Throws: R
Bats: R
Born: Feb 22, 1977, Trenton, MI
Contract: Signed through 2009, with option for 2010. | | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | | | | | | | |
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| Newsbreakers |
December 19, 2008
J.J. Putz commented that he doesn't mind a setup role with the Mets behind closer Francisco Rodriquez, according to the NY Post. Putz said, "I'm just glad I don't have to watch him on the other side anymore, because he killed us. He's a lot of fun to watch. He's been as dominant as anybody in this game the last few years. He's not a bad guy to set up."
Our View:Putz seems to just be pleased to be joining a winning team that will have their sights set on the playoffs in 2009. The Mariners held the worst record in the majors last season at 61-101.
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December 18, 2008
The New York Post reports that J.J. Putz may also see save opportunities next season along with Francisco Rodriguez. Manager Jerry Manuel indicated that the split will be 70-30 in favor of K-Rod.
Our View:It seems like the Mets may hesitate using K-Rod on back-to-back nights, which certainly increases Putz's fantasy value for 2009. Putz saved 15 games last season in 46.1 innings.
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December 10, 2008
MLB.com reports that the Seattle Mariners sent right-handed reliever J.J. Putz to the New York Mets on Wednesday night as part of a three-team, 12-player trade with the Cleveland. The Mariners receive right-handed pitcher Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets, along with outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians. Mariners right-handed reliever Sean Green and center fielder Jeremy Reed also are going to the Mets in the trade.
Our View:The Mets just signed Francisco Rodriguez yesterday, so Putz would be used as a setup man. The Mets have now turned their biggest weakness from last season, their bullpen, into one of their greatest strengths. Putz was one of the most dominant closers in the game in 2007, but injuries held him to just 47 games and 15 saves last season.
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December 10, 2008
Fox Sports reports that the Mets may be close to landing J.J. Putz from the Mariners in a three-team deal involving the Mariners and Indians. Mets right-hander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-base prospect Mike Carp would be in the deal, as would Indians outfielder Franklin Gutierrez.
Our View:The Mets just signed Francisco Rodriguez yesterday, so Putz would be used as a setup man. Should the Mets land him, their biggest weakness last season, the bullpen, would suddenly be one of their greatest strengths.
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December 10, 2008
J.J. Putz remains on the Cardinals' radar, but they don't want to part with Rick Ankiel in a deal, according to BaseballProspectus.com.
Our View:The Cardinals have Jason Motte and Chris Perez as favorable options, but neither are in Putz's league, who will be looking to regain his elite form after a disappointing injury-spoiled 2008 campaign.
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December 9, 2008
The Seattle Times reports that the Cleveland Indians are not really contenders for J.J. Putz, prefering to go the free-agent route instead. He also notes lukewarm interest from the Cardinals, but notes that most serious suitors are the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers.
Our View:The Tigers and Brewers figure to have the type of players the Mariners would seek in return. After a dominant 2007, Putz cooled down last season and posted only 15 saves while battling through injuries.
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December 8, 2008
The Tigers are interested in pursuing Mariners' closer J.J. Putz, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View:The Tigers landed Gerald Laird at catcher, and can now focus on their need at closer. He is a local kid as he was raised in Trenton and attended the University of Michigan. He could benefit from a fresh start with the Tigers, and move on from his disappoining 2008 season.
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December 8, 2008
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports indicates that the Indians are among the MLB clubs interested in closer J.J. Putz.
Our View:The Indians need a closer, and would be banking on Putz to return to elite form after suffering through an injury-spoiled 2008 campaign.
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December 7, 2008
The St. Louis Cardinals need a closer, and the team will at least explore the option of pursuing Seattle's J.J. Putz, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:The Cardinals have youngsters Jason Motte and Chris Perez, but are searching for a short-term option for now. With health, Putz should once again retain his elite status for fantasy owners.
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December 4, 2008
The Mariners have made J.J. Putz available and the club is open to trade discussions for the former elite closer, according to the NY Post.
Our View:The Mets and Indians are among the teams interested in Putz, who is due $5 million next season with an $8.6 million option in 2010 or a $1 million buyout. Putz could regain his magic and once again rank among the top closers in the majors, if he proves to be healthy.
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November 7, 2008
The Mets have talked to the Mariners about closer J.J. Putz, and they believe Seattle will make him available in the off-season, according to the NY Post.
Our View:The Mets are also still interested in several other closers, such as Brian Fuentes. When healthy, Putz is among the best closers in the majors.
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September 28, 2008
J.J. Putz struck out the side to get his 15th and final save of the season on Sunday.
Our View:In 2007, Putz was among the best closers in the game racking up 40 saves with a 1.38 ERA. Injuries set him back in 2008 and he did not perform nearly as well as his owners had hoped he would. He posted a 3.88 ERA and five losses to go with his 15th save.
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September 10, 2008
J.J. Putz earned his 13th save of the season on Wednesday as he tossed a scoreless ninth inning against the Rangers.
Our View:Putz has picked up the save in his last three appearances as his solid work has allowed his ERA to dip back below four again at 3.96. Despite the struggles virtually all year, he has still averaged 9.94 K/9. It's been the walks that have gotten him (5.66 BB/9).
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September 7, 2008
J.J. Putz picked up his 12th save of the season on Sunday, and now has 98 for his career, good for second on the all-time saves list for the Mariners, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View:Putz has been a huge disappointment so far this season, with an absurdly high WHIP that was 1.73 coming into Sunday's game and an ERA over 4.00.
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September 5, 2008
J.J. Putz earned his 11th save of the season on Friday night. With Jason Giambi at the plate and representing the tieing run, he got the slugger to pop out to thrid base. Putz allowed half of the Yankees two hits on the night.
Our View:Putz was dominant last season but has been very average in 39 games this year. He has had various arm problems but it appears his job as closer remains safe as his primary competition, Brandon Morrow, appears to have successfully converted to a starter.
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August 31, 2008
J.J. Putz complained of arm soreness after pitching on Friday and Saturday, and he was held out on Sunday. The Mariners may be cautious with their closer in September, MLB.com reports.
Our View:This news shouldn't change how fantasy owners use Putz. He simply won't be used in three straight games and possibly not in back-to-back situations. The Mariners are rarely close enough to make this a huge deal.
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August 6, 2008
J.J. Putz was shaky on Tuesday night, but he ultimately picked up the win against the Twins. The closer allowed a pair of doubles and walked two batters (one intentional) over 1.1 innings, and he blew the save. Putz did, however, also strike out three, hold the Twins scoreless, and improve to 4-4.
Our View:The WHIP isn't good, but we'll take the win and strikeouts. Putz has struggled badly this season, but recent reports suggest he has found his old pop.
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August 4, 2008
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer suggests that J.J. Putz is nearing his return to the closer's role. Putz is feeling like his old self again and said, "Sunday I threw the ball with real pop. The last time I did that was March 31. For me it's been two steps forward and one step back."
Our View:When Putz returns to the closer's role, Brandon Morrow is expected to be sent down to Triple-A Tacoma to work on becoming a starter.
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August 3, 2008
J.J. Putz looked like his old self on Sunday as he allowed just one hit over 1.1 innings on the way to picking up his third win of the season.
Our View:This outing might be the impetus the club needs to send Brandon Morrow back to the starting rotation. Sooner or later Putz will start picking up saves, and it might be nearing that point for the former All-Star.
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July 28, 2008
It appears that the Mariners are not yet comfortable using closer J.J. Putz on back-to-back nights. Brandon Morrow came on for the save Monday after Putz had thrown an inning on Sunday.
Our View:Putz is still the closer but his value takes a hit as long as Morrow is getting save opportunities.
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July 27, 2008
J.J. Putz is getting nearer to re-establishing himself as the Mariners' closer, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Our View:Manager Jim Riggleman is pleased with Putz but is still waiting for him to show he can throw in three consecutive games. When Putz eventually does close games out again, Brandon Morrow will move back to the eighth inning, at least for the short term.
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July 23, 2008
J.J. Putz looked good on Wednesday as he worked two innings and limited the Red Sox to just one hit while striking out three.
Our View:A couple of outings like this and Putz could find himself back in the closers role with Brandon Morrow moving back to the setup role. Still, Morrow also worked two innings in the game and didn't allow a run, so it's not like the Mariners need to rush Putz back into the closers role.
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July 21, 2008
J.J. Putz is back in action with the Mariners, but will have to work to regain his closer's role, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. His arm feels good and he is able to throw all of his pitches without any issues, but manager Jim Riggleman wants Putz to show he's back at the top of his game before he unseats Brandon Morrow as the closer.
Our View:Riggleman also hinted that he may use co-closers at some point and does not care who nails down the save, as long as it is a Mariner. Putz's fantasy value looks to be low for a while, but should still be stashed away for late in the season.
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July 20, 2008
J.J. Putz has been activated from the DL following his battle with a hyperextended right elbow, according to the AP. Ryan Rowland-Smith was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma to make room on the roster.
Our View:Putz made two trips to the DL this season, and hopefully he can stay healthy this time. Barring another issue, he could serve as a solid number two closer during the stretch run of the season. He should be eased back in slowly for now.
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July 19, 2008
J.J. Putz could be activated Sunday according to the Seattle Times.
Our View:Putz has not pitched since June 11 and he was not very effective before going down. He was one of the game's most dominating closers last season and should have a better second half.
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July 18, 2008
Updating an earlier report, Seattle closer J.J. Putz , rehabilitating a hyperextended right elbow, pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for Triple-A Tacoma, striking out one, according to MLB.com. 13 of the 17 pitches he threw were strikes.
Our View:The successful appearance has Seattle pondering an immediate return to the team. Earlier we reported one more rehab outing seemed likely, but Putz may be ready to go. We'll keep you posted.
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July 18, 2008
J.J. Putz, who is recovering from a hyperextended right elbow, is expected to pitch in another rehab game Friday with Triple-A Tacoma, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View:After that, he'll be re-evaluated and could throw one more time on Sunday before being called back up to the Mariners.
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July 14, 2008
J.J. Putz, who is recovering from a hyperextended right elbow, threw a 30-pitch simulated game on Sunday, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He is expected to make an injury rehab appearance Tuesday in Peoria, and then head to the Northwest for another rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma.
Our View:At that point the Mariners will decide what to do next. They could activate Putz, or give him one more rehab appearance before bringing him off the DL next week.
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July 12, 2008
J.J. Putz is set to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Peoria Sunday as he continues to recover from his hyperextended right elbow, according to the Seattle Times.
Our View:If all goes favorably without a setback, he will throw another outing for Peoria on Tuesday, then another with Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday. At that point, the team will re-evaluate him and determine whether he's ready to rejoin the Mariners for its post-All Star break schedule.
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July 9, 2008
J.J. Putz, who is on the DL due to a hyperextended right elbow, is set to return sometime within the first week following the All-Star break, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. he won't come back as the closer right away however, because manager Jim Riggleman says he will want Putz to pitch midgame a couple of times to see how his stuff looks after two long stints on the shelf. Riggleman added, "We're going to want to see what he looks like. If it's J.J. being his dominating self, it's likely that we'll move him into ninth-inning positions." Putz commented, "Brandon Morrow's had a real good run, but I'd hope that I'd be the closer when I get back. No one has told me anything different."
Our View:Putz will throw on the side in Arizona during the break, rejoin the team for next Thursday's post-All-Star break workout, and then get a couple of injury rehab assignments the Friday and Sunday following the All-Star Game. He could be activated from the DL on or around July 21.
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June 29, 2008
J.J. Putz, who is trying to bounce back from a hyperextended right elbow, threw a pain-free side-session on Saturday at PETCO Park, according to MLB.com. He said, "It was good, real good. It was a very, very elementary, a nice-and-easy game of catch, sort of like when you start a throwing program before Spring Training. This was January in San Diego. I had no pain."
Our View:Putz was eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Friday but will remain on the shelf through the All-Star break, and perhaps deep into July. The team will continue to take a wait-and-see approach, and Putz hopes to have a more clear schedule for his return heading into the four-day break.
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June 26, 2008
J.J. Putz underwent a cortisone shot in his elbow on Sunday and could begin the rehab process this weekend, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He said, "It's been brutal not being able to do anything. It's going to be great to get out and throw again. I'm tired of not doing anything."
Our View:He won't be back before the All-Star break, as the rehab work will take at least that long. He is not going to rush back to action either, and admitted that he tried to come back from his rib injury too soon back in April, and learned from his mistake.
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June 23, 2008
J.J. Putz, who is trying to bounce back from a hyperextended right elbow, is not expected to pitch again before the All-Star break, according to the Seattle Times. Jim Riggleman said, "We don't want to rush it. It seems like with those elbows, a guy says, 'I'm over it,' and then he gets in the adrenalin of a game situation, and it flares up again."
Our View:Brandon Morrow would handle the closer's role until mid-July, but needs to recover from his back spasms and prove to be healthy.
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June 13, 2008
J.J. Putz has landed on the 15-day DL due to his hyperextended right elbow, according to the Seattle Times. Roy Corcoran has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and will be in uniform tonight.
Our View:The move is retroactive to June 11, meaning he'll be out until 13 days from now at a minimum.
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June 12, 2008
J.J. Putz will be out of action at least through this weekend due to discomfort in his right elbow which turned out to be a hyperextension of his elbow, MLB.com. The good news is that his UCL seems to be intact meaning he wont need Tommy John surgery.
Our View:The team hopes Putz can avoid the DL, but it seems clear that another trip to the list is quite possible. Look for Brandon Morrow to close in the absence of Putz.
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June 11, 2008
J.J. Putz left Wednesday's game in the ninth inning with an apparent arm injury. Brandon Morrow came on to replace him.
Our View:We'll update Putz's status when more info becomes available.
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June 1, 2008
J.J. Putz began the ninth by striking out Ivan Rodriguez but then walked Brandon Inge allowed Curtis Granderson and Placido Polanco to single giving the Tigers 4-3 lead, and eventually the win on Sunday. Putz suffered his third loss of the season.
Our View:Putz already has two more losses and one more blown save (three total) than he had all last year. His ERA jumped from 3.71 to 5.60, and in 17 games this yar he's allowed 11 earned runs. He had a 1.38 ERA last season, allowing 11 earned runs in 68 appearances.
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May 14, 2008
J.J. Putz , the Seattle closer, worked two scoreless innings before starter Jarrod Washburn made his first relief appearance since 1999, and only his 11th in 265 games over 11 major league seasons. Putz, who earned his first win of the season, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out two.
Our View:With Wednesday night's game in extra innings, Putz was asked to extend his work load and pitched himself into a win.
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May 11, 2008
J.J. Putz recorded his third save as the Mariners held on to beat the White Sox 6-3 on Sunday. Putz worked the ninth for his first save since April 22.
Our View:The Seattle closer walked Joe Crede with two outs before he struck out Nick Swisher. Putz is beginning to get his timing back after missing time on the disabled list.
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May 2, 2008
J.J. Putz, who blew his second save of the season Thursday night, could be used more in non-save situations to try to get back on track, according to the Seattle Times. "I'm really at a loss because I've never had this much trouble throwing strikes with the fastball," Putz said. "Sometimes your splitter or slider is going to be off, but I feel like I've been pretty good with my fastball over the years. Being able to locate that whenever I've wanted to, it's like being able to close your eyes and throw a strike with your fastball. And right now, it's just not there."
Our View:We're betting the M's will still turn to J.J. when a save opportunity presents itself. Anything the reliever needs to do to snap out of his funk is fine with fantasy owners.
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May 1, 2008
J.J. Putz suffered his second blown save of the season on Thursday night as he allowed two hits, two walks and one run to the Indians.
Our View:Putz must have been ticked off that he allowed the run as he picked up all three outs on strikeouts. Through five innings Putz has allowed five runs and 14 baserunners, so it's clear that he is not quite yet back to his dominating form. You might consider leaving him on your bench until he proves his control has returned.
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April 22, 2008
It didn't take J.J. Putz long to get back on the board. The closer notched his second save of the season on Tuesday. He allowed a single in the ninth inning but held the Orioles scoreless. Putz came off the DL earlier in the day.
Our View:If there was any lingering doubt, you now know it's safe to use Putz in fantasy leagues.
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April 22, 2008
The Mariners activated J.J. Putz on Tuesday, the Seattle Times confirms. The closer had been out due to a right oblique injury.
Our View:The Mariners all but confirmed this move on Monday, and fantasy owners hopefully got the closer into their lineups this week.
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April 21, 2008
Nothing is official, but signs points to the Mariners bringing J.J. Putz (oblique) off the DL on Tuesday, the Seattle Times reports. "When we see the big boy coming in from left field, we'll be feeling real good to be honest with you," manager John McLaren explains. "But I'd like to say the committee did a nice job while he was gone."
Our View:Fantasy owners can probably gamble and use Putz this week. Even if his return is delayed a day or two, he is still worth starting.
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April 19, 2008
J.J. Putz threw 41 pitches in a simulated game on Saturday and things went so well that he now hopes to return to the lineup on Tuesday, this according to MLB.com. "I felt good, felt strong and my command was good," he said. "I was able to throw everything for strikes. Now, we'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow and probably make a decision on what to do."
Our View:This is great news since it was initially feared that he could miss anywhere up to six weeks with the injury. Stay tuned for confirmation of his activation this Tuesday.
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April 17, 2008
J.J. Putz is eager to return to the Mariners following his bout with torso inflammation, according to the Seattle Times. He threw 41 pitches over eight minutes in a bullpen session on Wednesday and hopes to pitch in a simulated game on Saturday in Anaheim. The Mariners' closer commented, "I'm really, really excited to get back. I'm bored out of my mind. To the point where I'm seeing how many pitches the batting-practice guys are throwing every day." The team could send Putz on a minor-league rehab assignment. Putz said he believes the earliest he might be activated from the DL is Tuesday, the start of the Mariners' next homestand. He added, "You don't want to push it. You just want to stay with the course and do what the training staff has planned for you."
Our View:This is favorable news, and he would resume his role as the Mariners' closer when he returns.
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April 15, 2008
Manager John McLaren stated that there is still no timetable set for the return of closer J.J. Putz, according to the Seattle Times. He continues to nurse his rib cage injury, and was given the day off on Monday.
Our View:He could throw a simulated game late next week, and hopefully it will go favorably for him.
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April 13, 2008
J.J. Putz threw off the mound for six minutes (27 pitches) on Sunday. "I felt real good," he tells MLB.com. Putz is out due to inflammation in his right torso, and he was able to throw all his pitches at about 80-to-85 percent during the session. He could throw a simulated game late next week.
Our View:The Mariners are still working on an exact timetable, but it sounds like Putz is at least one more week away.
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April 12, 2008
J.J. Putz (lat) threw for the fourth straight day without incident on Saturday, this according to the AP. “We’re right where we want to be,” Putz said. “I feel great.”
Our View:Putz will not return when eligible on April 17th, and no timetable has been set for his return, but this is great news that seems to signal a return will happen sooner rather than later for the team's dominant reliever.
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April 11, 2008
J.J. Putz threw a favorable session on Thursday, according to the Seattle Post Intelligencer. The team was encouraged that he was able to throw again in the Tropicana Field outfield before Thursday's game, and felt no pain. The closer threw for around eight minutes at a distance of close to 75 feet.
He will next have a meeting with team medical director Dr. Edward Khalfayan on Friday to determine his next move. Manager McLaren noted that Putz's throws were "more intense" than the ones on the previous day. It remains unclear when Putz will throw off a mound. The team is far from ready to state if Putz will come off the DL when he is eligible next Thursday. He may do a short round of injury rehab before he comes back. Overall, this is favorable news for him.
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April 8, 2008
J.J. Putz will play catch on Wednesday, his first baseball-related activity since suffering a rib injury, according to MLB.com. "We'll start his throwing program tomorrow and, hopefully, progress on a daily basis," Seattle trainer Rick Griffin said. "We'll see how he feels the next day based on what he did. If he comes in and feels great, we'll progress the work. If doesn't feel great, then we'll have to back it off." It's too soon to say when the closer will return to game action, but this is a significant step in Putz's recovery regardless.
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April 3, 2008
There is no time-table set for the return of J.J. Putz, according to the Seattle Times. He is out with a rib cage injury that he sustained Wednesday night. The team has to let the injury rest, and then rehab can begin. The team is reportedly very encouraged by the initial diagnosis, because there was fear yesterday that it might be an oblique or soft tissue injury, which usually takes a lot longer to heal. The doctor that read Putz's MRI determined his inflammation to be "mild."
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April 2, 2008
J.J. Putz, a day after giving up a game-winning home run to Josh Hamilton, was placed on the DL on because of a rib cage injury, this according to the AP. There is no word yet on the severity of the injury, so we don't know if this is a minor hiccup or a major issue for the Mariners. Given the way their bullpen looks now, it would appear that Mark Lowe will serve as the team's closer.
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