J.J. Putz takes job in Diamondbacks’ front office

The Diamondbacks announced this evening that former closer J.J. Putz has been hired as a special assistant to president and CEO Derrick Hall. Putz, who pitched with Arizona from 2011-2014, has apparently decided to put a bow on his playing career at the age of 37. He had a 6.59 ERA in 18 appearances this season prior to being released in June.

In his new role with the Diamondbacks, Putz is expected to assist the baseball and business sides of the organization. He will be in uniform to work with pitchers during spring training and will visit with minor league affiliates at various points during the season.

Below is a statement from Hall:

“J.J.'s performance on the field and popularity off the field make him a tremendous addition to the front office,” said Hall. “His personality is a perfect fit for our culture and we are looking forward to him helping the D-backs in a number of different ways during this next phase of his career.”

Assuming this is truly the end of Putz’s playing career, he will finish with a 3.08 ERA and 189 saves. He made one All-Star team in 2007 as a member of the Mariners.

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