Joseph Putz

J. J. Putz
Putz with the Arizona Diamondbacks
Relief pitcher
Born: (1977-02-22) February 22, 1977 (age 40) Trenton, Michigan
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
August 11, 2003, for the Seattle Mariners
Last MLB appearance
June 19, 2014, for the Arizona Diamondbacks
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	37–33
Earned run average	3.08
Strikeouts	599
Saves	189
Teams
Seattle Mariners (2003–2008) New York Mets (2009) Chicago White Sox (2010) Arizona Diamondbacks (2011–2014)
Career highlights and awards
All-Star (2007) AL Rolaids Relief Man Award (2007)

Joseph Jason "J. J." Putz (/ˈpʊts/; born February 22, 1977) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Born in Trenton, Michigan, Putz led Trenton High School to the 1994 Division 2 state championship. He graduated in 1995 and won the Mr. Baseball award for the state of Michigan.

Putz attended the University of Michigan, and was drafted by the Mariners in the 6th round in 1999. He made his Major League debut with the Mariners on August 11, 2003. In 2006, he became the closer for the Mariners.

All through the minors, Putz had been able to throw an excellent fastball that topped out at 97 miles per hour, but had been only marginally successful because his only other pitch was a below average slider. His first few years in the majors were not terrible, but they were also nothing special. In spring training before the 2006 season, Eddie Guardado, who had been the Mariners' closer since 2004, taught him to throw a splitter. After mastering the new secondary pitch, Putz abandoned his slider and became a much improved pitcher.