D-backs add former reliever Putz to front office

PHOENIX -- Former closer J.J. Putz is coming back to the D-backs. Not in a playing role this time, but rather as special assistant to team president and CEO Derrick Hall.

Putz will fill a variety of roles assisting not just Hall, but other departments on both the baseball and business sides of the organization.

"I am very excited to give back to the game that I love and have been fortunate to be a part of for 14 years," Putz said in a statement. "To be a part of such a great organization is a blessing. My family and I have been so grateful to be a part of the Arizona community. It is a dream come true to work alongside a great man like Derrick. There are not enough great things to say about this organization. I am forever thankful." 

Putz will attend community events, meet with corporate partners and interact with season-ticket holders, and he will be in uniform during Spring Training to work with the pitching staff. In addition, during the season, he will visit the team's Minor League affiliates to work with the organization's younger pitchers.

Putz was released by the D-backs last summer after compiling a 6.59 ERA in 18 relief appearances in 2014.

After joining the D-backs as a free agent in 2011, Putz saved a career-high 45 games that season as the D-backs won the National League West title. He had a 2.82 ERA and 32 saves in 2012, and in 2013, he lost the closer role after battling a variety of injuries. He finished that season with a 2.36 ERA and hoped to rebound in 2014.

Over his 12-year career, Putz posted 189 saves and he was an American League All-Star in 2007, also winning the AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award that same year.

"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."