J.J. Putz placed on the disabled list

By Adam RonisJuly 2, 2011

Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz has had a terrfic first half, but has slowed down recently and was placed on the 15-day disabled with right elbow tendintis. Putz is 34 and has a history of injuries.

Putz hasn't pitched more than 54 innings since 2007. He was healthy for most of last season as a setup man for the White Sox and pitched 54 innings with a 2.83 ERA. Putz has converted 21 of 25 saves. He has a 3.12 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 8.57 K/9, and 2.34 BB/9.

Putz didn't blow a save in the first two months and had his worst month in June with a 6.17 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. He blew four of five saves.

David Hernandez will fill in at closer and should be picked up in all leagues. In 37 innings, he has a 3.65 ERA with 41 strikeouts, but control has always been an issue with 22 walks. Hernandez has allowed an earned run in just seven of his 39 games, but that included a four-run and five-run outing.