D-backs name J.J. Putz Special Assistant to the President & CEO
Former closer rejoins organization following 12 seasons in the big leagues
PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) named J.J. Putz as Special Assistant to D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall.
In his new role, Putz will assist Hall and other departments throughout the baseball and business side of the organization. This includes attending community events, meeting with corporate partners and interacting with season ticket holders. Putz will remain in uniform during Spring Training to work with pitchers and will visit D-backs Minor League affiliates at various points in the regular season.
"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," said Putz. "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 rejoins the organization following 12 seasons in the big leagues with the Mariners, Mets, White Sox and D-backs, ending his career in 51st place on the all-time saves list with 189. He posted a 2.81 ERA in four seasons with Arizona, the second-lowest in franchise history among pitchers with 150 or more appearances behind only Brad Ziegler (2.63). Putz was named to the 2007 American League All-Star team and won the A.L. Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award that season when he saved 40 games.
He notched a career-high 45 saves for the D-backs in 2011 when the team captured the National League West Division title.
"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."