Putz playing catch, return still undetermined

PHOENIX -- D-backs closer J.J. Putz has begun playing catch, but the closer knows that he still has a ways to go before he's able to pitch again.

Putz was placed on the disabled list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament on May 8 and recently began playing catch from 90 feet.

"It feels really good," Putz said. "It's fun to watch the team win, but it's hard to not be out there competing with the guys."

The D-backs have stayed away from putting a timetable on a possible return for Putz.

"It's still too far out to even like figure out games and stuff," Putz said. "But we're definitely progressing in the right direction."

Heath Bell has done a nice job in the closer's role since Putz got hurt.

"They're playing well right now, so hopefully I can be like a big acquisition at some point," Putz said.