J. J. Putz, a right-handed relief pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut with the Seattle Mariners. Born on February 22, 1977, in Trenton, Michigan, Putz attended the University of Michigan, where he played college baseball for the Wolverines. His professional journey began when the Mariners selected him in the sixth round of the 1999 MLB Draft.
Putz's early years in the majors were marked by his development as a reliable bullpen arm. Initially, he served in various relief roles, gradually earning the trust of the Mariners' coaching staff. By 2006, Putz had established himself as the team's closer, a role in which he excelled. That season, he recorded 36 saves with an impressive 2.30 ERA, earning him recognition as one of the American League's top relievers.
The 2007 season was a standout year for Putz. He saved 40 games and posted a remarkable 1.38 ERA, earning him an All-Star selection and the AL Rolaids Relief Man Award. His performance was characterized by a powerful fastball and a devastating splitter, which kept opposing hitters off balance. Putz's dominance on the mound was a bright spot for the Mariners during this period.
In December 2008, Putz was traded to the New York Mets as part of a three-team deal. His time with the Mets, however, was marred by injuries. He struggled to regain his form, appearing in only 29 games during the 2009 season. Following his stint in New York, Putz signed with the Chicago White Sox for the 2010 season. With the White Sox, he showed signs of his former self, posting a 2.83 ERA in 60 appearances.
Putz's career took another positive turn when he joined the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. As the team's closer, he recorded 45 saves and a 2.17 ERA, helping the Diamondbacks secure the National League West title. His performance earned him the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award. Putz continued to serve as Arizona's closer in 2012, saving 32 games with a 2.82 ERA.
Injuries began to take a toll on Putz's career in the following years. He struggled with elbow issues, which limited his effectiveness and availability. Despite these challenges, he remained a valuable presence in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, providing veteran leadership and experience.
Putz's tenure with the Diamondbacks ended in 2014, marking the conclusion of his MLB career. Over the course of his 12-year career, he amassed 189 saves and a 3.08 ERA in 572 appearances. Known for his fierce competitiveness and ability to perform under pressure, Putz left a lasting impression on the teams he played for and the fans who watched him.
After retiring from professional baseball, Putz transitioned to a front-office role with the Diamondbacks, serving as a special assistant to the president and CEO. His post-playing career allowed him to remain involved in the sport, contributing his knowledge and experience to the organization.
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